Pergolesi - La Serva Padrona

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This recording was made in the Church of S. Bento da Vitória, Porto, in September 1993, with the support of the Secretary of State for Culture, through the General Direction of Art and Performances. Funding for this edition provided by Bial Laboratories. 

CLASSICAL ORCHESTRA OF PORTO. The extinction of the classical orchestra in Porto, Regie Sinfonia, resulted in the immediate creation by the Secretary of State for Culture of the Classical Orchestra of Porto, with the same musicians, but in an enlarged and enhanced format. Its first season began on March, 6, 1993 at the National Theater of S. João. Eliciting an ever-increasing public, the orchestra has performed each weekend since then under the direction of its principal conductor, Dr. Manuel Ivo Cruz as well as with many national and international guest conductors. With captivating programs organized by the Artistic Director, Maestro José Atalaya, the orchestra maintains collaborations with an important array of soloists of the highest international repute. Concertos of a less-centralized nature are also highlighted, with dynamic support from local and national promoters of shows and culture, as well as the important cooperation with institutions of musical education from the North of Portugal, translated in the scholarship competitions where the most-advanced students compete for the realization of internships at the professional level.

This activity is complemented by the recordings, supported by the Secretary of State for Culture, through the General Direction of Art and Performances. In addition to the current CD, La Serva Padrona, the Orchestra has already recorded two other CD’s (with an foreign label) dedicated entirely to Portuguese composers, ancient and modern, whose commercial release will be announced shortly. Overall, this excellent group is affirming its position as one of the most qualified and effective instruments of culture of the Portuguese state. 

CHAMBER OPERA OF THE ROYAL THEATER OF QUELUZ. Founded in 1991 by Elsa Saque, Manuel Ivo Cruz and Armando Vidal, its current directors, the Chamber Opera of the Royal Theater of Queluz received an enthusiastic welcome not only in major cities, but also in places outside the normal sphere of artistic events. Essentially a touring company, the chamber opera presents its varied programs of staged performances and lyric concerts in over 45 localities, from the north to the south of the country. In this way it satisfies the immense desire for operatic performances which comes from all sorts of audiences – from the most popular to the most sophisticated. The Chamber Opera of the Royal Theater of Queluz collaborates intensely with Inatel, autarchies, private business and state organizations, receiving support from Secretary of State for Culture as well. Currently the programs feature authentic masterpieces from the Eighteenth Century: La Serva Padrona by Pergolesi: The Cooper by Thomas Arne, and the show "Mozart and Salieri" ("Bastien & Bastinenne" and "Arlequinada"), while the “Lyric Quartet" and "Casablanca – The Hits of Broadway" continue to stir great enthusiasm. As a reflection of the many solicitations which have arrived to us from throughout the country, we would like to announce the upcoming tour of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville and concert selections from Puccini’s La Bohéme. For Christmastime, we are preparing an enchanting program of songs, hymns and carols of the most varied origins and the charming opera by Gian-Carlo Menotti, Amahl and the Night Visitors, considered a true symbol of contemporary Christmastime. At Easter, The Chamber Opera of the Royal Theater of Queluz offers the performances of several works from the appropriate repertoire, among which are Pergolesi’s Statat Mater for orchestra and soloists. The focused resources adequate for the performance of chamber operas not only encourages its contagious theatricality, but also makes it extremely mobile and adaptable, allowing shows in any type of hall, and has the advantage of requiring only a modest budget.

Details:

Performer(s)

Chamber Opera of the Royal Theater of Queluz Classical Orchestra of Porto Elsa Saque - soprano António Wagner-Diniz - baritone Armando Vidal - harpsichord Manuel Ivo Cruz – musical direction

Composer(s)

G. B. Pergolesi (1710-1736) / Francisco António de Almeida (18th-century)

Work(s)

La Serva Padrona / Aria and Duet from the opera LA SPINALBA

Ref.: NUM_1019