Event information
George Frideric Handel’s 'Messiah' has become one of the most frequently performed choral works in Western Classical music, and the Cape Town Baroque Orchestra (CTBO) is continuing this performance tradition.
For these two concerts (one in Cape Town, the other in Hermanus), the CTBO’s Artistic Director, Erik Dippenaar, has specifically selected versions of the arias and recitatives which position the three soprano soloists as narrators, guiding the unfolding of the dramatic arch of this oratorio.
According to CTBO’s usual practice, the orchestra plays on period-appropriate instruments, consisting of period stringed instruments, chamber organ, harpsichord, theorbo, baroque oboe, baroque trumpet, and calfskin baroque timpani. Furthermore, joining the CTBO instrumentalist forces are Austrian natural trumpeter Raphael Pouget and German baroque oboist Ingo Müller
CTBO is joined on stage by Lutesong Consort, an ensemble of 12 professional singers, who sing the chorus parts, with the soloists also forming part of the vocal ensemble.
The consort features soprano soloists Lynelle Kenned, Elsabé Richter and Louise Howlett, altos Lente Louw (soloist), Nick de Jager and Vasti Zeeman-Knoesen, tenors Sandile Mabaso (soloist), Levi Alexander and Christiaan Bell, and basses Conroy Scott (soloist), Keaton Manwaring and Luvo Rasmeni.
Guests are welcome to a complimentary glass of wine during the interval.