Thursday / 17 Oct / 8 pm
venice baroque orchestra
andrea marcon, music director
giuliano carmignola, baroque violin
CHICAGO RECITAL DEBUT

Viva Vivaldi

"I wouldn't say that Giuliano Carmignola plays better than Vivaldi, just that, when he plays Vivaldi, I can't imagine anybody else playing like it or better. I sometimes think he is the reincarnation of Vivaldi. This music is in his blood."
-FANFARE

Devoted to recapturing the dazzling brilliance and evocative moods of the Italian Baroque style, the VBO brings fresh energy to the rich legacy of 18th-century Venice. The resident orchestra of one of Venice's most respected cultural institutions, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, they have performed throughout Europe to rave reviews. They make their United States debut tour with violinist Giuliano Carmignola, concertmaster of Venice's renowned opera house La Fenice. The All-Vivaldi program includes a fresh interpretation of The Four Seasons.

"A moment full of emotion, bearing a message of love, friendship and tolerance."
-LE MATIN DU SAHARA (CASABLANCA, MOROCCO)

Three internationally known ensembles unite in this unique program that recreates the musical, poetic and spiritual climate of 13th-century Iberia when Jews, Christians and Muslims existed peacefully together in the court of King Alfonso X. Using the king's magnificent collection of songs to the Virgin Mary, contemporary musicians blend European and Arabic performance techniques around these Christian songs.

"Andreas Scholl is, arguably, the crème de la crème with a seriousness of purpose and beauty of tone that have made him among the most sought-after singers of his generation."
-CLASSICAL CD

The countertenor resurgence that has hit the United States in recent years has drawn attention to an unusual yet highly compelling vocal sound. Germany's Andreas Scholl has been internationally heralded as one of the outstanding countertenors of his generation. Performing with harpsichord, he will sing a program of Baroque songs.

Flemish Spring

"To hear them perform is one of the great live music experiences of time."
-THE BOSTON GLOBE

The Tallis Scholars are without rival in the glorious world of Renaissance polyphony. Their beautifully blended choral sound calls to mind the magnificent stained glass windows of the mighty cathedrals of Europe or the majesty of Rockefeller Memorial Chapel where they will perform. Their program marks the 400th anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603 and features works written for her Chapel Royal.