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G.F. Handel, “Dolce Vita” from Amadigi di Gaula
May 25, 2024
Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center

Soprano Nola Richardson sings aria “Dolce Vita” from Handel’s Amadigi di Gaula, Ars Lyrica Houston’s fourth fully staged opera production with stage direction by Tara Faircloth. As reviewed by Sherry Cheng in Arts and Culture Texas, “Nola Richardson was radiant as Oriana… She was the most convincing actor of the night, her every expression true to character. Her tender and poignant Dolce vita tugged at heartstrings as she wept over Amadigi’s inert body.”

Jean-Philippe Rameau, Suites from Les Indes Galantes
September 20, 2019
Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center

Ars Lyrica’s 2019/20 season opener featured a full Baroque orchestra of strings and winds and the New York Baroque Dance Company in a program of instrumental suites from two vibrantly colorful French Baroque operas, both first seen at the Palais-Royal in Paris. Period choreography and period instruments recreated a refined art form that was de rigueur throughout Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. This clip is from Rameau’s Les Indes Galantes, and features choreography by Catherine Turocy.

J.S. Bach, "Brandenburg" Concerto No. 1 in F Major
December 31, 2018
Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center

Each of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Six Concertos for Several Instruments,” as he titled them, calls for its own distinctive complement of players. The first of the six Brandenburg concertos calls for the largest ensemble of the set, including two horns, three oboes, bassoon, violin solo and a full complement of strings and continuo. Ars Lyrica Houston rang in the 2019 New Year with a performance of this brilliant and iconic work for orchestra.

G.F. Handel, Silete Venti
November 3, 2023
Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center

Soprano Sherezade Panthaki and Baroque orchestra perform Handel’s Silete venti, a spectacular solo motet, one that rivals his best operatic scenes. It places a deeply religious soul within a naturalistic context, where rustling leaves and blooming flowers prompt a lush meditation on love and happiness. Exceptionally fine text setting distinguishes it from Handel’s other motets, putting it on a plane alongside the composer’s best operas and oratorios.

G.F. Handel, “Come Nube” from Agrippina
November 16, 2018
Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center

Mezzo-soprano Sofia Selowsky and countertenor John Holiday sing this recitative and aria from Handel’s instant sensation, which had its premiere in Venice in 1709 and served to establish the young Handel’s reputation as a theatrical genius. Its tuneful score, abundant humor, and classic Roman intrigue made for a delightful event. This was Ars Lyrica’s first fully-staged opera, the first of many as part of an ongoing initiative to present one Baroque opera every two years.

Antonio Vivaldi, Concerto in G Minor from "La Cetra," RV 334
September 22, 2023
Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center

Baroque violinist Elizabeth Blumenstock solos with orchestra on Vivaldi’s Concerto in G Minor. In 1727 Antonio Vivaldi published as his Opus 9 a set of twelve concerti, under the title La Cetra. The title, which alludes to the cittern or lyre, connects the collection to Orpheus himself, whose musicianship charmed the gatekeepers of hell. With characteristic flair, Vivaldi channels the familiar myth in his Concerto in G Minor from this set. Its strongly etched themes, dramatic cascades of notes, and slithery chromaticism conjure a magical world of dark yet vivid spirits.