Vespres d’Arnadí has been appointed ensemble-in-residence at the CNDM for the 25–26 season, with a commission to perform six concerts showcasing the richness of Baroque music —both vocal and instrumental— from a variety of perspectives.
The first project, which will also be performed at the Palau de la Música Catalana a few days earlier, is our contribution to the 300th anniversary of the death of Alessandro Scarlatti and will take to the stage at the Auditorio Nacional (Madrid). Titled Il Mitridate Eupatore, it is a spectacular and ambitious opera seria premiered in 1707 that tells a story you may find familiar: the king of Pontus has been murdered and his throne usurped. His wife not only participated in the plot but has also married the new king. When the rightful heir returns in disguise, thirsty for revenge, a high-voltage and stern-toned drama unfolds, reminiscent of Greek tragedy. For this opera, we will be joined by leading figures of the European Baroque scene such as Ann Hallenberg and Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian, along with the Catalan baritone Josep-Ramon Olivé.
We will also have the opportunity to accompany Serena Sáenz in Oviedo and Valencia, where we will present a selection of arias by Vivaldi, Händel and Rameau, full of light, spirituality and energy. Highlights will include “Sposa son disprezzata” from Bajazet; “Lascia la spina” from Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno, and “Tornami a vagheggiar”from Alcina. In Salamanca, we will perform works by Vivaldi, Marcello and Händel for oboe, violin and organ. Let yourself be surprised by the timbral richness of this instrumental combination! Finally, we’ll reach León and Madrid with a programme focused on the elegance and nobility of the concerto grosso, Corelliana, featuring works by Corelli, Händel, Scarlatti and Geminiani.
