It is astonishing to consider the musical impact Giovanni Pergolesi made, considering he died of tuberculosis at the age of 26. Like Mozart, his early demise quickly became the stuff of legend — hundreds of works were (often falsely) ascribed to this Italian late-Baroque genius, while rumours swirled that his death was the result of murderous jealousy from musical rivals.

Led by NZSO Concertmaster Vesa-Matti Leppänen, we survey some of Pergolesi’s most brilliant opera — La serva padrona, Adriano in Siria, L’Olimpiade and Il prigionier superbo. We are delighted to have Aotearoa New Zealand soprano Anna Leese join us as we delve into music that glories in resplendent Italian Baroque colours and textures.

We complete this magnificent concert with a detour into the French-Baroque, with a suite from Jean-Philippe Rameau's Platée. C’est magnifique!

Generously supported by Ainsley Walter

Programme:

Pergolesi La serva padrona

Pergolesi Adriano in Siria

Pergolesi L’Olimpiade

Pergolesi Il prigionier superbo

Rameau Platée