The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Ascends To Heaven And Harmony With Handel

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra throws open the doors to 2015 with  a celebration of the music of George Frideric Handel.

Entitled Handel: Heaven and Harmony, the ensemble is joined by Argentine soprano Mariana Flores and Portuguese tenor Fernando Guimarães, both specialists in early music.

“Their outstanding vocal purity and on-stage chemistry will totally spellbind Australian audiences, as they have done together around Europe.” says Paul Dyer, Artistic Director of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra.

“I’ve had my eye on Mariana and Fernando as their careers have gathered momentum,” says Paul, “and have been so keen to work with them that I’ve programmed a concert that totally capitalizes on their talents, special bond and charisma. They‘ve performed over 100 concerts together throughout Europe since they first met and became friends just six years ago.”

“There is something magical about this combination. Mariana has a clear toned authority and sensual edge which melds superbly with Fernando’s formidable technique and matinée idol looks. I can’t wait to bring this dream pairing to the Brandenburg stage.“

Mariana Flores and Fernando  Guimarães will make their Australian debuts, alongside the Brandenburg Choir and Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, in an all-Handel concert that includes Handel’s great tribute to the patron saint of music and musicians, St Cecilia.

Handel: Heaven and Harmony comprises the great choral masterpiece Ode for St Cecilia’s Day, the seldom heard cantata Look down, harmonious Saint, a singularly perfect love duet, and one of Handel’s ‘greatest hits, Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.  

After graduating in singing from her native Argentina, Flores moved to Switzerland where she studied at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. Her teachers included another great Argentinian singer, Bernarda Fink. presently based in Basel, Flores has shared the stage with Capella Meditteranea, the Clematis Ensemble and has recorded for Harmoni Mundi, France, performing repertoire by Monteverdi, CPE Bach, Buxtehude and Barbara strozzi.

Born in Oporto, Guimarães has performed with ensembles which include Les Arts Florissants, L’Arpeggiata, Boston Baroque and the Orchestra of the Age 0f Enlightenment.

The performers: Mariana Flores (Argentina) soprano/Fernando Guimarãres (Portugal) tenor/Brandenburg Choir/Australian Brandenburg Orchestra /Paul Dyer AO artistic director/conductor.   

The programme: 

GF Handel: Sinfonia Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Solomon HWV 67/ Cantata Look down, harmonious Saint HWV 124/Ode For St Cecilia’s Day HWV 76/Duet Tra amplessi innocenti from Cecilia, volgi un sguardo HWV 89.

Bookings:

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

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