After an award-winning first season, Leo Schofield's Brisbane Baroque returns in 2016 with a new festival of unmatched creative energy.
The inaugural event celebrates Western European art and music from 1600 to 1750. The programme looks to be a sure-fire hit, with features including: 'King Arthur,' 'Bach: Music In The Castle Of Heaven', and 'Mahan Esfahani'.
After the acclaimed annual Hobart Baroque festival announced it would not continue for a 3rd year in 2015, arts impresario Leo Schofield pulled off a major fundraising feat to bring the festival back-only this time in Queensland. This year, the festival showcases a superb international cast, and features the rare Australian debut of Handel's first Italian Opera, 'Agrippina.' Composed in 1709 at just 24, 'Agrippina' is one of the maestro's biggest success.
Agrippina (15AD5-59AD) was a direct descendant of the Emperor Augustus, and one of the most powerful figures in the Julio-Claudian dynasty. While her power seemed unstoppable, and her story legendary, she died in 59AD after being stabbed by her son, the Emperor Nero. Premiering in Venice, the opera enjoyed 27 successive performances, and is a wildly fascinating family drama. The story will definitely wow audiences with its political power play, sexual intrigue, and note-worthy international cast.
Also featured is the return of the popular '5 x 5 x 5 @ 5 Series', the 3-part celebration of Antonio Vivaldi; the Australia debut of the sensational Iranian-American harpsichord virtuoso Mahan Esfahani; appearances by rising Australian star soprano Greta Bradman; a three-part celebration of the music of Antonio Vivaldi; three concerts with Brisbane’s celebrated chamber orchestra, Camerata Of St John's; and the debut of the acclaimed baroque mezzo, Vivica Genau.
The festival is a significant contributor to Australian tourism and the economy, and will be funded by a one-off grant via the Federal Minister for the Arts. It will likely compete with major global Baroque festivals such as the Göttingen International Handel Festival in Germany, the Boston Early Music Festival in the USA, and the Valletta International Baroque in Malta.
Brisbane Baroque takes place 8-16 April.
