Handel's Italian Journey

Join New Trinity Baroque for an enchanting afternoon of music inspired by Handel's travels through Italy, where the young composer encountered the artistic influences that would shape his future masterpieces

Performed on period instruments by an outstanding international ensemble of Early Music specialists, this programme brings together some of the most beautiful vocal and instrumental music of the Italian Baroque. Alongside Handel's captivating Italian duets, audiences will discover works by Monteverdi, Legrenzi, Vivaldi and Falvetti – composers whose music formed part of the rich cultural landscape that Handel experienced during his years in Venice, Rome, Florence and Naples.

The concert features acclaimed Baroque violinist Bojan Čičić, one of the UK's foremost specialists in historical performance and best known as leader of the Academy of Ancient Music, together with the talented young Baroque violinist Ela Kodžas, Baroque cellist Pablo Tejedor-Gutiérrez, who regularly performs alongside many of today's leading specialists in Early Music, and Predrag Gosta, founder and director of New Trinity Baroque, performing on harpsichord and organ.

Sopranos Silvija Radjen and Ana Torbica, both award-winning artists with extensive international careers, bring the expressive Italian duets of Handel, Monteverdi, Legrenzi and Falvetti vividly to life, revealing the beauty, drama and emotional depth of a repertoire that profoundly influenced the young Handel during his formative years in Italy.
The programme combines expressive Italian vocal duets with two remarkable instrumental works: Handel's Trio Sonata in G minor, reflecting the influence of the Italian style he absorbed during his travels, and Vivaldi's celebrated La Follia, one of the most dazzling and imaginative sets of variations of the Baroque era. Together, these works offer a vivid portrait of Italy's golden age and the extraordinary musical world that inspired one of history's greatest composers.

Set within the beautiful surroundings of Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton, this concert offers a memorable celebration of the passion, elegance and brilliance of the Italian Baroque.

New Trinity Baroque:
Ana Torbica soprano
Silvija Radjen soprano
Bojan Čičić baroque violin
Ela Kodžas baroque violin
Pablo Tejedor-Gutiérrez baroque cello
Predrag Gosta harpsichord, organ, director