The English Concert

Cast:
Michael Spyres, tenor (Bajazet)
Bejun Mehta, countertenor (Tamerlano)
Avery Amereau, alto (Irene)
Jakub Józef Orliński, countertenor (Andronico)
Sophie Bevan, soprano (Asteria)
Ashley Riches, bass (Leone)

Greed, jealousy, betrayal, revenge—Handel’s psychological thriller Tamerlano has it all. Performed in concert by Britain’s renowned Handel specialists The English Concert, this sinister opera seria was among the composer’s big London hits of the 1720s, with a story loosely based on the historic conflict between a Turkish sultan and the Tartar conqueror Timur (or Tamerlano), who ruled much of Asia in the 14th century. The soloists here include two revered countertenors—Bejun Mehta as Tamerlano, a role that has defined his career, and rising star Jakub Józef Orliński, who has recently appeared to rave reviews in both Handel’s Rinaldo and Rodelinda. “Bicket…drew a lithe, detailed and richly expressive account of this great score from the first-rate players. The ovations were enormous. The audience seemed not just excited but also grateful” (The New York Times).

Sung in Italian with English supertitles.

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Major support provided by The Bernard Osher Foundation.

Patron Sponsor: Bernice Greene

This event was sponsored by an Anonymous donor.

Program notes will be available approximately one week before the performance.