INAUGURAL CONCERT: L'OMBRA DE FARINELLI (THE SHADOW OF FARINELLI)
with Aurora Peña (soprano), Jordi Domènech (harpsichord and conducting) and the Polifem Consort ensemble, formed by Farran Sylvan James (concertmaster), Joan Espina (second violin), Jordi Armengol (viola), Oriol Aymat (cello), Mario Lisarde (violone), and Rafael Bonavita (theorbo)
This concert pays homage to 18th century Baroque opera and the vocal virtuosity of leading figures such as Farinelli. The Valencian soprano Aurora Peña performs outstanding arias by composers such as Vivaldi, Händel, Hasse, Porpora, Vinci and Broschi. The programme includes pieces such as Gelido in ogni vena, Alma oppressa and Alto Giove, and overtures and symphonies such as Farnace, Polifemo, Calcante ed Achille and La caduta de’ Decemviri. Also included are Son qual nave, the aria di bravura by Farinelli’s brother, and the final aria of Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno, by Händel.
PERFORMERS
Aurora Peñaborn in Valencia, she has won several international awards, including First Prize in the Lyrical Category of the Les Corts Competition, and the Ferrer-Salat Award of the Tenor Viñas Competition. She has performed as soloist on stages such as the Teatro Real, the Wiener Konzerthaus, the Palau de la Música Catalana and others, under the batton of famous conductors. In opera, she has performed notable roles such as Gilda (Rigoletto), Norina (Don Pasquale) and Pamina (Die Zauberflöte), and is soon to make her debut as Adina in L’elisir d’amore. She has also sung in concerts of major works, such as Carmina Burana, Messiah and Stabat Mater, and has released contemporary music. She has recorded several CDs, and trained at the Higher Conservatory of Valencia and at ESMUC. She also has a degree in English Philology and is an award-winner in literature.
Polifem Consort is a Catalan ensemble specialized in early music, with a particular focus on the Baroque period. It brings together some of the leading specialists in this musical field from our country, who regularly perform with internationally renowned ensembles, conductors, and soloists such as Jordi Savall, Fabio Biondi, William Christie, and Marc Minkowski.
DIRECTOR
Jordi Domènech is a Catalan counter tenor known for his versatility and expressiveness in both baroque and contemporary works. Initially trained as a pianist, he specialised in voice in Switzerland and has performed on the leading stages of Europe and Asia. He has worked with prestigious conductors such as William Christie, Fabio Biondi and René Jacobs, and has taken part in opera productions, oratorios and recitals. In addition to his career as a performer, Domènech is a composer and teacher, and is known for his artistic sensitivity, which makes him unique in today’s lyrical scene.