Mon Aug 5 19:00
Operatic Fluidity: Handel Arias with Arion Baroque
Chamberfest welcomes the return of Montreal’s pioneering period instrument group, Arion Baroque Orchestra, with a program exploring the ‘Operatic Fluidity’ of gender through some of Handel’s most beautiful arias. In Handel’s time, these arias would have been performed by castrati—it was their golden era—but these roles have long-since been assigned to mezzos, contraltos, and tenors, showcasing interesting contrasts and unique colours.
This evening, Arion gives these beloved works a current-day gender shift, illuminating different sides, facets, and faces in Handel’s characters as Amelia Keenan, contralto, and countertenor Ian Sabourin perform roles of the opposite gender.
- Ian Sabourincountertenor
- Sarah Dufresnesoprano
- Arion Baroque Orchestrabaroque orchestra
- Noémy Gagnon-Lafrenaisviolin
- Sari Tsujiviolin
- Jacques-André Houleviola
- Amanda Keesmaatcello
- Francis Palma-Pelletier double bass
- Daniel Zuluagaarchlute
- Christophe Gauthierharpsichord
Programme
George Friedrich Handel (1685 – 1759)
Concerto grosso op.6, n°12
Largo
Allegro
Partenope: Furibondo spira il vento
Concerto Grosso Op.6, No.3
Larghetto
Andante
Messiah: But who may abide
Rodelinda: Dove sei, amato bene?
Alcina: Overture
Alcina: Tornami a vagheggiar
Tolomeo: Stille Amare
Sonata a violino solo e cembalo, Op. 1 No. 13
Affetuoso
Allegro
Rinaldo: Lascia ch’io pianga
Concerto grosso Op. 6, No. 4
Allegro
Rinaldo, HWV 7: Cara Sposa
Concerto grosso Op. 6, No. 9
Largo
Messiah: He shall feed his flock
Concerto grosso Op. 6, No. 9
Allegro
Serse: Ombra mai fu
This concert, part of Chamberfest’s Early Music Now series, is presented with the generous support of Nicole Presentey.
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Buy all-NMN Event Pass
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