Opera in the eighteenth century was dominated by the singer: they were the first celebrities, described as ‘stars’ in their own day, and capable of earning salaries that would, today, put them in the same league as footballers. in the eighteenth century arias displaying virtuosity were favoured, and the aria di bravura and aria d’agilità were born as categories for measuring a singer’s worth.

Introducing Brazilian soprano Gabriella Di Laccio, director Fernando Cordella and period Ensemble Musica Antiqua Clio, Bravura pays tribute to the great Baroque composers Handel and Vivaldi with this varied programme presenting virtuosic arias and instrumental pieces from the Baroque period. Featuring pieces originally sang by some of Handel and Vivaldi’s favourite singers like Anna Girò and the great diva Francesca Cuzzoni; as well as by some new revelations of the time like the castrato Mariano Nicolini and the celebrated female musicians of the Ospedale della Pietà.

Winner of the “Air Europa Classical Act of the Year Award 2013”, lyric coloratura soprano Gabriella Di Laccio enjoys an international career that spans the genres of opera, oratorio and chamber music. Much sought after in Baroque music, Gabriella’s expressive tone and impressive coloraturas singles her out for the virtuoso works of the Baroque repertoire including the great masters such as Handel and Vivaldi.

Fernando Cordella is a Brazilian born interpreter of historical performance who works as both, harpsichordist and conductor. He is the artistic director of Musica Antiqua Clio, Porto Alegre Bach Society and the Carazinho Chamber Orchestra and the founder member of early music ensembles Capela Strumentale and Concerto Barroco.

Musica Antiqua Clio is an early music ensemble devoted to the performance of music from the 17th and 18th centuries on period instruments. The group consists of internationally renowned baroque specialists who meet up several times a year and work together to prepare and perform new exciting programs. The outstanding talent and musical imagination of all players makes each concert a new experience always full of energy and enthusiasm with combined with a profound understanding of music as it was originally performed.