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
- Amelia Keenanmezzo-soprano
- Arion Baroque Orchestrabaroque orchestra
- Noémy Gagnon-Lafrenaisviolin
- Julie Rivestviolin
- Jacques-André Houleviola
- Amanda Keesmaatcello
- Francis Palma-Pelletier double bass
- Daniel Zuluagaarchlute
Programme
George Friedrich Handel (1685 – 1759)
Concerto Grosso Op.6, No.6: I.
Larghetto affettuoso
Allegro
Partenope: Furibondo
Concerto Grosso Op.6, No.3
Larghetto
Andante
Hercules: Where shall I fly
Semele: Hence, Iris, hence away
Alcina: Overture
Tolomeo: Stille Amare
Alcina: Vorrei vendicarmi
Concerto Grosso Op.6, No.4
Larghetto affetuoso
Rinaldo: Cara Sposa
Salomon: Welcome as the Dawn of Day
Rodelinda: Dove sei
Concerto Grosso Op.6, No.9
Largo
Allegro
Serse: Ombra mai fu
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Festival 2024
Experience five spectacular programs on our Signature Series, featuring large-scale collaborations between world-renowned musicians at Ottawa’s Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre. The 2024 Signature Series is generously sponsored by Bytek Volkswagen & Carling Volvo.
The New Music Now series is a celebration of the breadth and vitality of today’s new classical culture. Explore the sonic range of today’s most creative musical minds at Chamberfest’s annual miniseries. Join us on Monday, August 5 for multiple events in a variety of spaces within Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, all accessible with the New Music Now: All-NMN Event Pass.
Buy all-NMN Event Pass
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These performances are outdoors. Seating will be limited, and you may need to bring your own weather protection if desired.
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Seating will not be available.
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