ACO: Julia Lezhneva - Baroque Brilliance at Concert Hall, QPAC

Although only 25, Julia Lezhneva has earned standing ovations internationally for her poise and prowess as a performer of the most challenging repertoire. Her 2014 visit to Australia enthralled local audiences, winning her a Helpmann Award for Best Individual Classical Performance.

This young Russian soprano’s voice is impeccably suited to the intricacy and passion of the Baroque masters. Ottone in Villa was Vivaldi’s first opera, and it amply displays the genius of his melodic gift. Handel’s Alessandro is all lightness and charm, yet holds rich potential for vocal fireworks for a singer of Lezhneva’s abilities.

Richard Tognetti directs the ACO in this consummate program, playing Handel’s quasi-violin concerto as well as Bach’s first Orchestral Suite. Tognetti’s ARIA Award-winning affinity for Bach has been praised by The Age as full of “lightness, nuance, colour and plenty of personality”.

Program

Porpora In caelo stelle clare, motet for soprano and strings
Bach Orchestral Suite No.1 in C major
Handel Salve Regina
Handel Alessandro (selections)
Alla sua gabbia d’oro
Solitudine amate in cui sfogarmilive una flamma infelice
Aure, fonti, ombre gradite
Brilla nell’alma
Vivaldi Leggi almeno, tiranna infedele from Ottone in Villa
Handel Sonata a 5 in B-flat major