Italian Baroque favourites with Francesca Lombardi Mazzulli and the Cork Baroque Orchestra

Renowned Italian soprano Francesca Lombardi Mazzulli joins the musicians of the Cork Baroque Players, for an evening of favourite Italian-style Baroque music in the atmospheric surrounds of Triskel Christchurch. Powerful arias by Handel on themes of love and death sit alongside sparkling concerti grossi by Corelli and his peers. Joining the Cork Baroque Players are some of Cork’s finest emerging young professionals from MTU Cork School of Music – a chance to hear the stars of the future!

Francesca Lombardi Mazzulli is one of the most highly regarded Italian sopranos on the international early music scene, with her refined vocal style, and ability to combine historical rigor and emotional engagement. Her career has seen her collaborate with some of the scene’s most prestigious orchestras and ensembles: from the Accademia Bizantina directed by Ottavio Dantone, to La Venexiana with Claudio Cavina, from the Complesso Barocco with Alan Curtis to Les Talens Lyriques with Christophe Rousset, up to Europa Galante with Fabio Biondi.

The Cork Baroque Orchestra was set up by violinist Marja Gaynor and cellist Eimear Reidy as ‘resident band’ for East Cork Early Music Festival. Conceived as a response to the growing interest in historically inspired music performance, CBO provides a precious opportunity for Irish and Irish-based musicians to work with the world’s leading early music specialists, as part of a high- level, professional orchestra, with an array of guest directors.

CBO made its debut in 2013 with Finnish harpsichordist and conductor Aapo Häkkinen, and has worked with guest directors including Elizabeth Wallfisch, Peter Whelan, Catherine Martin, Claire Duff, Kinga Ujszazi, and Anita Vedres. According to the Irish Examiner the orchestra is “…memorable for (its) energy, sense of phrasing, dynamic contrasts, and brilliance”. CBO is also committed to collaborations with other local and national ensembles including choirs specialising in early music. Their debut at Cork International Choral Festival in May 2015 with Madrigal 75 was again hailed by the Examiner as “… a magnificent performance… Throughout, the orchestral playing was crisp and supportive.”

East Cork Early Music Festival is grateful for primary support from the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon with support from Cork City Council Arts Office and Cork County Council Arts Office.