Voices of San Lazzaro

In the Venetian lagoon lies an Armenian monastery, San Lazzaro degli Armeni, where since 1717 monks and scholars have gathered to preserve the traditions of early Christianity and chant. Historically, Venice was a hub for musical publication, publishing works of female composers such as Barbara Strozzi and Francesca and Settimia Caccini.

The programme explores the union of Armenian and Italian traditions. Intesa tells the Armenian story of faith and the female story of musical prowess in the Italian courts by weaving together works from both traditions through music and narrative.

The duo's practice of self-accompaniment draws inspiration from the Caccini sisters, Barbara Strozzi, and the concerto delle donne, as well as the Armenian ashugh tradition of storytelling through song. They feature works by Claudio Monteverdi, Tarquinio Merula, Nerses Shnorhali, and Grigor Narekatsi.

Programme:
Nerses Shnorhali Aravot luso
Orlando di Lasso Susanne un jour
Settimia Caccini Due luci ridenti
Armenian traditional Keler Tsoler
Grigor Narekatsi Havoon havoon
Claudio Monteverdi Si dolce è 'l tormento
Barbara Strozzi Che si può fare
Armenian traditional Hov Arek
Komitas Vardapet Soorp Soorp
Barbara Strozzi Silentio nocivo
Francesca Caccini Maria, dolce Maria
Claudio Monteverdi Lamento della ninfa
Tarquinio Merula Folle è ben che si crede

Intesa:
Lucine Musaelian viol, voice
Nathan Giorgetti viol