- Monteverdi’s Orfeo
19-26 September
Australian Brandenburg Orchestra
Imagine music so beautiful, so powerful, that it could enchant even the King of the Underworld. In 1607, Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi brought this stirring idea to life in his opera L’Orfeo. Based on the ancient Greek myth, L’Orfeo is the story of the legendary poet Orpheus, whose power over music could charm even the most savage beast. Misfortune strikes Orpheus on his wedding day as his bride Eurydice succumbs to a poisonous snakebite. Orpheus, driven mad with grief, descends into the Underworld to rescue his lost love.
In one of the biggest undertakings in Brandenburg history, Artistic Director Paul Dyer fulfils his dream of bringing Monteverdi’s dramatic masterpiece to life. Mesmerising German tenor Markus Brutscherstars in the title role of this tragic love story performed in intimate concert mode. Discover this 17th century musical jewel with one of the most thrilling talents in Europe, an exciting Australian supporting cast, the earthy sounds of gut strings and the infernal fanfare of period brass. Experience one of the earliest operas ever written, like never before!
For more info visit the ABO website
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- Bodice Ripper
Thurs 27 September, 6.30pm
The Salon, Melbourne Recital Centre
Passion, lust, betrayal and the pangs of unrequited love burn through the stays of Aria Co’s musical romp Bodice Ripper.
Drawing vocal music from the 17th and 18th centuries and combining it with popular songs from the 20th and 21st, Aria Co explore the tradition of the singer as siren and seducer. From the sensual manoeuvring of Handel’s Cleopatra to the modern heartache of Adele,Bodice Ripper is packaged in Aria Co’s trademark style of art-music cabaret.
Songs by Handel, Rameau, Monteverdi, Lully, Caccini as well as Madonna, Tori Amos, Regina Spector, Joanna Newsom and Adele.
Melanie Adams Soprano
Hana Crisp Soprano
Matthew Thomas Baritone
Peter de Jager Harpsichord
Laura Vaughan Viola da gamba
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- Telemann Paris Quartets
Sunday 30 September
Join myself, Julia Fredersdorff (baroque violin), Alison Catanach (traverse) and Ann Murphy (harpsichord) for a performance of three of Telemann’s rarely performed ‘Paris’ Quartets.
More details coming soon.