Philippe Jaroussky & Ensemble Artaserse: Ombra mai fu

The great counter tenor Philippe Jaroussky has dedicated his new album Ombra Mai Fu to Francesco Cavalli (Crema, 14 February 1602 – Venice, 14 January 1676). He will be performing an eclectic selection of the great Italian composer’s most fascinating works at the Arriaga Theatre. Jaroussky’s latest record includes numerous vocals and instrumentals from over a dozen of Cavalli’s operas, which range from relatively well known works such as Calisto, Ercole amante, Ormindo, Giasone and even Eliogabalo, performed in Paris and Amsterdam, to rarities such as Statira, principessa di Persia and La virtù dei strali d’Amore.

In the words of Jaroussky himself, “Cavalli played a very important role in establishing opera (the new genre created by Monteverdi and others) as a form of popular entertainment. He composed various operas for the San Cassiano Theatre, the first theatre to offer opera in Venice”. When preparing Ombra mai fù, Jaroussky studied the manuscripts of most of Cavalli’s 37 surviving operas. “I wanted to show all the variety and qualities of his music. At times, something appears to be tremendously simple, but it has a special melody and a delicious flavour in its harmonies. This project highlights the contrasts of his operas in the passage between scenes, where lament can be followed directly by something very humorous”.

At this unforgettable concert, Philippe Jaroussky will be accompanied by the Artaserse Ensemble, a group he regularly collaborates with. This internationally renowned ensemble specialises in baroque and ancient music. Ever since they gave their first highly acclaimed concert in Paris in 2002, the Artaserse Ensemble has performed with great success all around the world.