Friday, June 21 at 7pm
Saturday, June 22 at 7pm
Sunday, June 23 at 2:30pm
$30 / $65 / $95 (IMPORTANT INFO:TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH BOTH BEMF.ORG and MAHAIWE.ORG / TO PURCHASE BEST SEATING VISIT BEMF.ORG)
Boston Early Music Festival presents
Almira, the first opera by the celebrated and beloved Baroque composer George Frideric Handel, in its first fully staged and historically-conceived production in modern times.
Written when Handel was only 19,
Almira tells a story of intrigue and romance in the court of the Queen of Castile, in a dazzling parade of entertainment and delight, which Handel would often borrow from during his later career. One of the world's leading Handel scholars, Professor Ellen T. Harris of MIT, has said that BEMF is the "perfect and only" organization to take on Handel's earliest operatic masterpiece, as it requires BEMF's unique collection of artistic talents: the musical leadership, precision, and expertise of BEMF Artistic Directors Paul O'Dette and Stephen Stubbs; the stimulating and informed stage direction and magnificent production designs of BEMF Stage Director in Residence Gilbert Blin; "the world's finest continuo team"; the highly skilled BEMF Baroque Dance Ensemble to bring to life
Almira's substantial dance sequences; the all-star BEMF Orchestra; and a wide range of superb voices.
Starring in the title role of Almira and making her Boston Early Music Festival debut, will be soprano Veronica Cangemi. The Argentinean singer began her musical career as the principal 'cellist of her hometown symphony before winning Argentina's National Singing Competition and the Francisco Vinas Contest in Barcelona. With Amanda Forsythe, Colin Balzer, Christian Immler, Zachary Wilder, Tyler Duncan, Ulrike Hofbauer, and Jason McStoots.
This lush, innovative and truly breathtaking production promises a rare glimpse at a very different Handel from the wealthy London virtuoso so familiar to modern audiences.