From Rio con brio: Musica Angelica returns to Los Angeles 1

I’m looking forward to a marvelous performance by Musica Angelica, the L.A.-based baroque chamber orchestra, just back from a tour of South America, primed to let ‘er rip in Santa Monica and Pasadena performances next weekend.

The 20-piece baroque band’s versatile music director, Martin Haselboeck, in a previous concert, conducted while singing, balancing on his tippy-toes. This time, he’ll stay put, performing on organ.

Speaking about the group’s recent 17-day tour, Managing Director Laura Spino says: “We performed at the most prestigious concert halls in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janiero, Santiago , Montevideo and Buenos Aires. I can honestly say we’re playing better than ever.”

Musica Angelica members play authentic period instruments in a Feste Italiane program, featuring works by Antonio Vivaldi, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Antonio Caldera and Antonia Bembo.

The “Feste Italiane” program:

• Sinfonia Concertante for two violins and strings (Caldera)
• Concerto Grosso in d minor from Estro Armonico, Op. 3, No.11 (Vivaldi)
• Salve Regina for soprano and orchestra
 (Pergolesi)
• Concerto Grosso in a minor from Estro Armonico, Op. 3 No. 8
 (Vivaldi)
• Per il Natale for soprano and orchestra
 (Bemba)
• Double Concerto for violin and organ in d minor (Vivaldi)
• Laudate pueri Dominum for soprano and orchestra (Vivaldi)

Vivaldi’s Double Concerto for violin and organ in d minor will feature Musica Angelica’s concertmaster for Feste Italiane, Cynthia Roberts, and Martin Haselböck on organ.

“We’ve combined important examples of virtuoso concerti with some of the most exquisite arias by Vivaldi, Pergolesi and Antonia Bembo, who was not only a composer but a singer,” says Maestro Haselboeck, who is not only a conductor and composer, but an organist.

Musica Angelica | Pasadena Presbyterian Church & Santa Monica First Presbyterian Church | December 3 & 4