Rachel Podger's Brecon Baroque Festival begins
24 October 2013
“The Roman Connection”
In its eighth year the Brecon Baroque Festival, set in the lush surroundings of the Brecon Beacons National Park, turns its eye to the ‘Eternal City’, Rome. Classical Rome was the template for intellectual life in the Baroque era and many of Handel’s choral works feature Roman tales. Commencing on Friday 25 October with Handel’s most dramatic oratorio Theodora, Musical Director Rachel Podger gathers together leading artists from around the globe to host a long weekend of superb concerts.
Also celebrating the 300th anniversary of Corelli’s death the festival features music by the composer and his contemporaries, alongside masterpieces from Handel and Bach. Rachel’s own ensemble Brecon Baroque will be joined by countertenor Robin Blaze, tenor Julian Podger and up-and-coming Baroque chamber Ensemble Diderot, amongst others. There’s also a chance to join in on the Sunday, as well as listen, with a Festival Eucharist and the Baroque Tea Dance.
The festival ends with the annual Brecon Baroque Festival Orchestra extravaganza. The orchestra will be joined by the South Powys Youth Orchestra and will include music by Corelli in his 300th year, and Handel’s magnificent Music for the Royal Fireworks.
For more information and to book tickets please visit the festival website.