On January 24 at 7.30 pm at the Croatian National Theater in Zagreb, immediately after the world premiere in Vienna on January 22, the Italian Cultural Institute of Zagreb is presenting the opera ‘Orfeo’, by Nicola Porpora.
Six brilliant solo singers, including the Italian countertenor Raffaele Pe, accompanied by the ensemble “La Lira di Orfeo”, perform Porpora’s opera as a concert. ‘Orfeo’ is an opera that in many respects is a icon of the Italian bel canto of the eighteenth century, characterized by an elegant rhythm and formal refinement.
Nicola Porpora composed ‘Orfeo’ for Farinelli, aka Carlo Broschi, the famous and idolized Baroque singer, who decided to end his career singing it in London, in 1736. At the height of his career, Farinelli retired from the stage to continue to sing exclusively for King Philip V of Spain, in Madrid.
Raffaele Pe is the leader and founder of the “La Lira di Orfeo” ensemble. His repertoire ranges from the masterpieces of Recitar Cantando to the opera of the eighteenth century, and beyond, up to the twentieth century with Benjamin Britten and Arvo Pärt. He collaborates with musicians of the caliber of Jordi Savall, William Christie, John Eliot Gardiner. After Zagreb, Raffaele Pe and “La Lira di Orfeo” will continue their world tour.
For more information, go to iiczagabria.esteri.it
