‘Celebrazione!’ with Stefano Montanari and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra

“A concert that really celebrates what is excellent about baroque music – this will be a concert experience born from a passionate conversation – and un buono caffè!” says Paul Dyer AO, Artistic Director of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra describing the ensemble’s July collaboration with Italian Baroque violinist and Guest Director Stefano Montanari.

A performer, teacher, conductor and recording artist, Montanari plays first violin at the Accademia Bizantina in Ravenna, a position he has held since 1995 touring the world and presenting specialised performances of 18th-19th Century quartets, played on period instruments. He has collaborated with leading exponents in the field of early music, particularly with Christophe Rousset and his ensemble, Les Talents Lyriques.

Montanari teaches at conservatories in Milan and  Verona and he  has conducted the Baroque Orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, as well as appearing as guest conductor with ensembles in Novara, Lucca, Bergamo, at the Teatro  La Fenice  in Venice, Opéra de Lyon, Toronto and is Principal Director of the Jugendspodium Dresden-Venice project.

His recording of Corelli’s Violin Sonatas op. 5 for Arts was awarded a Diapason d’Or and Midem as the best Baroque Music CD of the year (2007/2010). O Solitude, a disc he recorded with Andreas Scholl, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2012.

The programme that Montanari brings to Sydney reflects the wealth of his experience. He will be joined by Baroque flautist Melissa Farrow to perform Telemann’s  Double Concerto in e minor for flute, violin and strings TWV 52: e3.

Stefano and Paul have also chosen a  virtuosic concerto grosso by Handel and gems by Italian baroque masters Veracini, Geminiani and Brescianello: “This is music of Stefanoʼs heritage – brilliant, fiery and passionate, just like him. It is a perfect way to introduce the character of this charismatic Italian maestro to the Australian public. He is a musician that pushes himself and his musicians right to the edge, which is a thrilling ride for the audience and orchestra alike” adds Dyer.

The programme:

Veracini Concerto a otto strumenti (1712) first movement,

Handel Concerto grosso D major Op. 3/6 HWV 3137

Brescianello Concerto No. 4 in e minor / Chaconne in A major

Telemann Concerto in e minor for flute, violin and strings TWV 52:e3

Geminiani La Follia

Veracini Concerto a otto strumenti (1712) second and third movements.

Tickets range from $65 to $154 (Concessions/Under 30 available). Booking fees apply.

Booking: City Recital Hall Angel Place (02) 8256 2222 or www.cityrecitalhall.com

Brandenburg (02) 9328 7581 or www.brandenburg.com.au