Philippe Jaroussky returns to the Tourcoing Lyric Workshop with a tribute to Vivaldi, showcasing his vocal maturity and deep connection to the composer's works.
Philippe Jaroussky returns to Tourcoing
French countertenor Philippe Jaroussky returned to the Tourcoing Lyric Workshop for a recital dedicated to the music of Antonio Vivaldi. The event marked a personal and artistic homecoming for Jaroussky, who has a long-standing connection with Vivaldi's compositions.Recital title and inspiration
The recital, titled Il mio Vivaldi ("My Vivaldi"), reflected Jaroussky's "youthful love" for the Baroque composer. He was first introduced to Vivaldi's work by the late Jean-Claude Malgoire, who gave him his first opera role in Vivaldi's Catone in Utica over 25 years ago.Program highlights and vocal maturity
The program included a mix of religious masterpieces, opera arias, and instrumental pieces. It showcased the maturity of Jaroussky's voice, which has shifted slightly toward the lower register while maintaining its clarity and musicality.Opening with Vivaldi’s sacred music
The concert began with Vivaldi's Stabat Mater RV 621, a hymn to the Virgin composed in 1712. This was followed by Nisi Dominus RV 608, which allowed Jaroussky to project his voice more fully and demonstrate his vocal range.Secular repertoire and ensemble performance
The second half of the concert featured secular works, including arias from Vivaldi's L’Olimpiade RV 725 and Farnace RV 711. Jaroussky performed with expressive gestures, adding emotional depth to the music. The ensemble Artaserse, founded by Jaroussky in 2002, accompanied the performance with one instrument per part.Concluding with a poignant encore
The concert concluded with an encore, the tender motet Filiae Maeste Jerusalem, which returned to the theme of the Mater dolorosa. This final piece offered a moving and emotionally resonant conclusion to the recital.
