Ever since Rolando Villazón played Orpheus in Monteverdi’s »L’Orfeo« for the first time in 2016, he has been fascinated by this heroic figure and his mythical tale. It is easy to see why. Villazón is well-known for his charisma, his talent for bringing emotionally charged characters to life and his ability to convey intense feelings to the audience. Orpheus was also a man with great musical strength who perfectly embodied the power of music and art. This made him a popular choice as an opera hero right from the beginning of opera as an art form. He appears as early as 1600 in one of the first opera performances ever documented, which was Euridice by Jacopo Peris. A little later, he also features in operas by Monteverdi (1607), Luigi Rossi (1647) and Antonio Sartorio (1673). Based on these various musical versions of the original saga, Villazón takes the audience on an emotional journey through time as he traces Orpheus’ path of love and tragedy through to modern times. Accompanying him on this lively and colourful musical expedition through the centuries are Christina Pluhar and the ensemble L’Arpeggiata.
PERFORMERS
L’Arpeggiata ensemble
Rolando Villazón tenor
Christina Pluhar theorbo and director
PROGRAM
»Orfeo son io«
