Foreign Inspiration
Visitors from across the channel
Saturday, February 18th at 7:30 pm
Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Doors open at 6:45PM
Pre-concert talk at 7:00PM
PERFORMERS
Marc Destrubé, violin and artistic director
Eva Lymenstull, viola da gamba
Natalie Mackie, viola da gamba
Marco Vitale, harpsichord and organ
PROGRAMME INFORMATION
Imagine 18th century London - the largest city in Europe and a magnet for musicians and composers from across the Channel. It was a unique moment, witness to the advent of public concerts, a fascination with opera, the opening of the ‘pleasure gardens’ and salons contributing to an explosion of new music. These musical opportunities attracted foreign musicians to visit, or make their home there, as London may have been the only place where it might be possible for a composer to have a vigorous freelance career. One could hear the very latest compositions played by the best musicians of the day, most notably George Frideric Handel, who became a kind of composer-in-residence at the Vauxhall pleasure gardens during the 1730s. This concert will shine a light on Handel and other notable musicians of the day whose wonderful music may be somewhat overlooked.
The Neapolitan Nicola Matteis took London by storm, both as virtuoso violinist and composer. Francesco Geminiani settled in London two years after Handel. A famous violin virtuoso (he played for Handel), he not only published violin sonatas but also an important violin method. Johann Christian Bach, son of the iconic J.S. Bach, moved to London from Italy to premier three operas and continued to compose cantatas, chamber music, keyboard and orchestral works, operas and symphonies. He became music master to Queen Charlotte and one can only wonder of her reaction when he performed his beautiful Variations on God Save the King which is included in this concert`s programme.
Portrait of Karl Friedrich Abel by Thomas Gainsborough
CONCERT PROGRAMME
Nicola Matteis (1650-1713)
‘Aria Amorosa’ for two violins and basso continuo, from ‘Ayres for the violin, the Fourth part’ (1676)
Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782)
Keyboard Concerto Op.1, No.6 (Variations on ‘God Save the King’)
Allegro assai - Andante - Allegro moderato
Gottfried Finger (ca. 1660–1730)
Sonatina in Bb Major for two bass viols
Adagio - Allegro - Aria (Largo)
Johann Christoph Pepusch (1667–1752)
Trio Sonata in e minor
Adagio - Allegro - Adagio - Allegro
Attilio Ariosti (1666–1729)
Cantata: ‘L’Olmo’ (1724)
intermission
Giovanni Bononcini (1670–1747)
Cantata ‘Barbara Ninfa ingrato’ (1721)
Francesco Geminiani (1687–1762)
Cello sonata in C Major, H.105, Op. 5, No.3 (1746)
Andante - Allegro - Affettuoso - Allegro
George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)
Cantata ‘Armida Abbandonata’ HWV 105 (1707)
George Frederick Handel
"Ah, crudele e pur ten vai"
from 'Armida Abandonata'
COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS:
The health and safety of our patrons, musicians, staff, and volunteers remains a priority. We recommend patrons take precautions of reasonable comfort.
This concert is generously supported by
Turnham Woodland and Prestige Pictures
PURCHASING TICKETS
Single Tickets: $30 + tax & fees and $25 for Seniors/Students + taxes & fees
Purchase your ticket by clicking here.
Festival Passes: $100 + tax & fees and $80 for Seniors/Students + tax & fees are also available for purchase here.
VCM Box Office: 250-386-5311
GETTING TO ALIX GOOLDEN HALL
Parking Information
Alix Goolden Hall is located at 907 Pandora Ave.
Patrons must enter the venue from 900 Johnson St.
The VCM parking lot is reserved for staff and faculty at all times. Street parking and public lots are available within short walking distance.
THE PACIFIC BAROQUE FESTIVAL IS SUPPORTED BY
OLIVE OLIO'S PASTA & ESPRESSO BAR | GOOD BROTHERS DEVELOPMENTS
DAVID & PEP GROOS FUND FOR VOCAL MUSIC, VICTORIA FOUNDATION
The Magnolia Hotel provides Festival audience members with a special rate during the Festival: a 15% discount on the best available room rate.
MEDIA PARTNERS
