Past event

12 December 2021

Sala Teatro

17:00

Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir
Ton Koopman
, conductor
Ilse Eerens, soprano
Clint van der Linde, countertenor
Tilman Lichdi, tenor
Jesse Blumberg, bass

Johann Sebastian Bach
Magnificat in D major, BWV 243

Arcangelo Corelli
Concerto grosso n. 8 in G minor, op. 6, Fatto per la notte di Natale

Georg Friedrich Händel
Dettingen Te Deum in D major, HWV 283

 

One of the leading Dutch Baroque orchestral ensembles distinguishes itself through historically informed performance and a commitment to using period instruments. The result is absolutely stunning. Each section of the orchestra and choir appears to be connected to one another, and it is not rare to see smiles and amused glances between those on stage.

The programme these artists will present in Lugano is fascinating, perfectly divided between two works of extraordinary musical impact. 
Händel wrote the Te Deum to celebrate George II, using the baroque religious style with large choral and instrumental ensembles and giving the work a grandiose and imposing tone. Likewise, Bach's Magnificat is imbued with the typical elements of baroque aesthetics. The composer favoured these whenever he entrusted one of his works to present and display his creative and technical gifts regarding musical elaboration.

Ton Koopman was born in Zwolle in the Netherlands. In addition to his classical studies, he devoted himself to organ, harpsichord and musicology studies in Amsterdam, receiving the "Excellency Prize" for both the organ and the harpsichord. Since the beginning of his career, Koopman's performing style has been influenced by philological practice and historical instruments. This led him to create his first baroque orchestra at the age of 25. In 1979, he founded the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, followed by the Amsterdam Baroque Choir in 1992.

Ton Koopman has published many essays and critical texts and has worked for years on the complete edition of Handel's organ concertos. He recently edited new editions of Handel's Messiah and Buxtehude's Last Judgment.