Freiburg Baroque Orchestra & Siobhan Stagg

The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra (Freiburger Barockorchester) returned for a second concert featuring celebrated piano virtuoso Kristian Bezuidenhout who teamed up with the sparkling soprano Siobhan Stagg. Together with the orchestra they created an electric and vibrant atmosphere recreating the elegant tones of the 18^th century.

The orchestra consists of 29 musicians dedicated to preserving and promoting historically informed performance practice. The acclaimed orchestra was founded in 1987 and is based in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. Led by two artistic directors, Gottfried von der Goltz (violin) and Cecilia Bernardini (violin), they are widely sought after, often attracting renowned conductors, and they were in Melbourne to offer two separate magnificent concerts.

The second performance featured music exclusively by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and opened with La finta giardiniera K.196 (Overture). The magic continued with Stagg’s warm and spirited performances of Chi sà, chi sà, qual sia K.582, Vado, ma dove? in E-flat K.583 and Ch’io mi scordi di te K.505. The orchestra continued with Piano Concerto No.23 in A K.488, and Symphony No.29 in A K.201/186a allowing Bezuidenhout to display his remarkable talent and continue to produce incredibly delicate and sensational sounds. The performance concluded with Stagg’s rendition of Bella mia fiamma K.528. The energetic and enthusiastic reception to the performance is a testament to the style and finesse of these exceptionally talented musicians.

As was customary in the 18th century the orchestra is conducted from the podium of Concertmaster by Goltz. This performance was the culmination of two dazzling opportunities to experience historic musical moods and sounds.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Laura Manariti