Parnassus Arts Productions is thrilled to present a concert performance of Antonio Caldara’s opera Il Venceslao on Sunday, 17 November 2024, at 19:00 at the Warsaw Philharmonic Hall. Following critically acclaimed performances in Gliwice, Vienna, and Herne, this rare baroque gem will once again be conducted by the distinguished Martyna Pastuszka, founder and director of the {oh!} Orkiestra! Known for her visionary interpretations, Pastuszka will lead the orchestra in bringing this 18th-century masterpiece to life.
Parnassus Arts Productions is thrilled to present a concert performance of Antonio Caldara’s opera Il Venceslao on Sunday, 17 November 2024, at 19:00 at the Warsaw Philharmonic Hall. Following critically acclaimed performances in Gliwice, Vienna, and Herne, this rare baroque gem will once again be conducted by the distinguished Martyna Pastuszka, founder and director of the {oh!} Orkiestra! Known for her visionary interpretations, Pastuszka will lead the orchestra in bringing this 18th-century masterpiece to life.
The title role of Venceslao will be sung by the renowned countertenor Max Emanuel Cencic, who is not only the Artistic Director of Bayreuth Baroque but also an accomplished singer, director, producer, and impresario. This year alone, Cencic has graced the stages of Vienna State Opera, the Royal Opera Versailles, and the International Handel Festival Karlsruhe, showcasing his versatility and artistic prowess.
Joining him on stage are two more extraordinary countertenors. Nicholas Tamagna, who recently impressed audiences as Orfeo in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice at Tel Aviv Opera and as Tolomeo in Giulio Cesare at Warsaw Chamber Opera, will perform the role of Casimiro. The young Honduran soprano Dennis Orellana brings his angelic voice to the role of Alessandro, following celebrated performances as Darius in Keiser’s Nebucadnezzar at Schlosstheater Schwetzingen and as Sifare in Mozart’s Mitridate, re di Ponto in Brussels, Mons, and Namur.
In the role of Lucinda, Sophie Junker returns to the stage after her maternity leave. The Belgian soprano recently starred in a staged St John Passion directed by acclaimed choreographer Sasha Waltz at the Salzburg Easter Festival and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. German tenor Stefan Sbonnik, who is currently performing as Oronte in Handel’s Alcina at Bonn Opera and soon at the Musiktheater an der Wien and Teatro Real Madrid, will interpret the role of Fernando.
Adding depth to the cast, Croatian contralto Sonja Runje will bring her compelling artistry to the role of Erenice. Based in Stuttgart, she is set to portray some of baroque opera’s great roles this season, including Handel’s Giulio Cesare at Cologne Opera and Farnace in Mitridate at Opéra de Lausanne. Making his debut in the role of Gismondo, Tomas Kralrecently took on the title role in Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo at Winterthur Theatre, showcasing his rich bass-baritone voice.
This production of Il Venceslao features the exceptional {oh!} Orkiestra!, a dynamic baroque ensemble performing on period instruments. Together, they promise an unforgettable evening celebrating the music of Caldara, a master of the baroque repertoire whose works are rarely heard in modern concert halls.
The Cast:
- Musical Direction: Martyna Pastuszka
- Venceslao: Max Emanuel Cencic
- Lucinda: Sophie Junker
- Casimiro: Nicholas Tamagna
- Fernando: Stefan Sbonnik
- Erenice: Sonja Runje
- Gismondo: Tomas Kral
- Alessandro: Dennis Orellana
- Orchestra: {oh!} Orkiestra!
We invite the audience in Warsaw to embark on a voyage of discovery into Caldara’s baroque masterpiece. Join us for a remarkable night of opera, celebrating the artistry of this extraordinary ensemble and cast.
