Vespro della Beata Vergine

1610: a new language for the sacred

In 1610, Monteverdi published this collection, dedicated to Pope Paul V, in the hope of attracting Rome’s attention. He ultimately made his career in Venice, having in the meantime revolutionised the course of music history. A work of universal significance, the Vespers of the Virgin explores every style and climate, from the most liturgical to the most theatrical, from the most contemplative to the most sensual. Between plainchant and daring innovations, prayer and sacred theatre come together. The Burgundy-based ensemble Les Traversées baroques, specialists in early Italian Baroque music, will be performing these first Vespers in Beaune for the first time in over 10 years.

Program and cast

Claudio Monteverdi

Vespro della Beata Vergine

Les Traversées Baroques

CAST

Capucine Keller & Dagmar Šašková, sopranos
Madeleine Bazola, alto
Vincent Bouchot & Valerio Contaldo, tenors
Renaud Delaigue, bass

Les Traversées Baroques, choir & orchestra
Etienne Meyer, conductor
Judith Pacquier, artistic director

Featuring the Festival Choir (conducted by Lucile de Trémiolles)

2h without intermission

This production is touring the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in collaboration with the Festival Musique et Mémoire.