Voces Suaves / Capricornus Consort Basel

Le Consort

Théotime Langlois de Swarte with ‘his’ Ensemble Le Consort—in larger force for the occasion—present Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

Kammerorchester Basel/ René Jacobs/ Papa Haydn

René Jacobs is one of the more electrifying figures in the early music circles. For those who do not follow the ideological battles of fans of historical performance practices daily, it may seem surprising how much excitement some of the Belgian conductor and singer's productions generate. In half a century of artistic activity, Jacobs has been one of the main protagonists of the early music renaissance. At first, as an excellent countertenor, he specialised in recordings of forgotten works and took part in many enthusiastically received interpretations of works by Bach or Mozart. For Jacobs as a conductor, historical treatises and knowledge of past practices can sometimes be the starting point for getting carried away with the free play of the imagination. For some, these ideas are too bold, while in the opinion of others, they make his interpretations closer to contemporary audiences. How will it be with Haydn's two comparatively different works? The E minor Symphony took its name, Mourning, from the composer's alleged request that the slow movement be performed at his funeral. However, there is no evidence that it was played at either the funeral or other memorial services for the artist. The Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae, also known as the Cecilian Mass, is one of two works (or actually three) written for the Abbey of Mariazell, one of the most important pilgrimage points in Austria. The first version of the Mass, composed in 1766, was destroyed in a fire. Therefore, seven years later, Haydn reconstructed the entire work from memory and expanded it into the shape it is known today. Szymon Maliszewski Concert duration (intermission included): approximately 120 minutes

Le Consort & Adèle Charvet: Vivaldi

For lovers of chamber music the Recital Hall is the venue of choice. You can hear the musicians breathe and you can practically touch them. This hall is also cherished by musicians for its beautiful acoustics and direct contact with the audience. In the Recital Hall you can hear the best musicians of our time. Buy your tickets now and experience the magic of the Recital Hall for yourself!

Hathor Consort / Dorothee Mields / Romina Lischka

What traces do wars leave on the music of the time? The Hathor Consort, a viol ensemble of to which harp, organ and cornett are added, joins forces with soprano Dorothee Mields to look for echoes of the Thirty Years’ War in the works of composers who witnessed this catastrophic period in European history. With his »Trostgedichten in Widerwertigkeit deß Kriegs«, the poet Martin Opitz wrote an influential treatise of edification in the midst of this fierce conflict that claimed the lives of around a third of the population. The composers of the age attempted to process the deep trauma of violence, hunger and utter defencelessness through their music. This programme brings together four musical witnesses of the time:Heinrich Schütz, Samuel Scheidt, Andreas Hammerschmidt and Heinrich Albert. The acclaimed Hathor Consort focuses mainly on Renaissance and Baroque music, but it regularly combines this with music from other cultures as well as with contemporary works. Dorothee Mields likewise focuses entirely on Early Music, and her clear and intimate soprano is regarded as one of today’s top voices in the field of historic performing practice.

FEL!X. B'Rock Vocal Consort | B'Rock | Andreas Küppers

B'Rock and B'Rock Vocal Consort trace Claudio Monteverdi's journey to Flanders, highlighting the intersection of Italian and Franco-Flemish musical styles. This concert explores Monteverdi's influence and celebrates the rich tradition of polyphonic singing, bridging cultures and nations through music.

LES PLUS BELLES SONATES EN TRIO – Le Consort

Michael Spyres Il Pomo d'Oro "Tenore assoluto!"

Michael Spyres, an exceptional American tenor, has a vocal range of over three octaves. Praised for his spectacular high notes and rich middle and lower registers, Spyres challenges the historical dominance of castrati. His performance in Essen will showcase his versatility across French and Italian Baroque repertoire, accompanied by period-instrument ensemble Il Pomo d'Oro.

Chanter Bach

Les Arts Florissants, with co-director Paul Agnew, presents a programme of cantatas by Bach and his contemporaries, from which the audience will be invited to sing excerpts as an encore.

Bal baroque

Join in the dancing! As part of the festivities in honour of William Christie’s 80th birthday, Les Arts Florissants invites you to a new participatory ball.

Tea Time