Joyce DiDonato & Il Pomo d’Oro

Mezzo soprano Joyce DiDonato joins Italian period instrument ensemble Il Pomo D’Oro to perform her chosen opera arias.

With her exuberant musical personality, her sunlit voice and her fierce advocacy of the arts’ role in society, it’s no surprise that the New Yorker called Joyce DiDonato ‘perhaps the most potent female singer of her generation’. The Kansas-born mezzo soprano is a true vocal superstar, one of the brightest lights in the opera world and a theatrical recital singer, too, who really knows how to put on a show. According to the Times, her voice is ‘nothing less than 24-carat gold’.

My Favourite Things is DiDonato’s personal choice of her most cherished opera arias – all from the sumptuous repertoire of the 17th and 18th centuries. Alongside the expressive emotional theatre of Monteverdi and the grand passions of Handel and Gluck, she unearths far lesser-known miniature masterpieces by Cesti, Hasse, Dowland and Rossi in this journey of discovery into the lavish wonders of the Baroque.

Joining the inspirational singer is the fiery Italian period instrument ensemble Il Pomo d’Oro, recognised worldwide for their dynamic, energetic performance style. The ensemble is directed by Bulgarian-born Baroque violinist Zefira Valova.

Supported by

Zefira Valova Director / Violin Joyce DiDonato Mezzo soprano

Programme includes instrumental and vocal music by Monteverdi, Rossi and Rameau and arias from Handel's operas Giulio Cesare and Ariodante.

Sung with English supertitles