Early Music Vancouver (EMV) welcomes back acclaimed harpsichordist and conductor Alexander Weimann as guest musical director for its presentation of George Frideric Handel's Theodora on Saturday, February 14, 2015, 7:30pm at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC. In addition to being one of the world's most sought-after ensemble directors, soloists, and chamber music partners, Weimann also serves as conductor of the Pacific Baroque Orchestra in Vancouver, and as music director of Les Voix Baroques, Le Nouvel Opéra, and Tempo Rubato. He has led many of EMV's most successful productions over the last 10 years.
With a compelling English libretto that is a touching parable of spiritual resistance to tyranny and religious toleration, the presentation features visiting artists Matthew Brook, one of Britain's leading and most experienced bass baritones; American Zachary Wilder, described as a remarkably clear, flexible lyric tenor with a radiant tone; and American Lawrence Zazzo, considered to be one of the most outstanding countertenors of his generation. Rounding out the all-star cast of soloists are local favourites soprano Nathalie Paulin, who hails from New Brunswick and has graced stages around the world; and Hungarian-Canadian mezzo-soprano Krisztina Szabó, who Vancouver audiences will remember as Donna Elvira in last season's production of Don Giovanni by Vancouver Opera. One of Handel's largest-scale oratorios for soloists, choir and orchestra, this production also combines the talents of the Vancouver Cantata Singers along with 28 members of the Pacific Baroque Orchestra.Videos