Violinist

One of Handel's most experimental and unusual operas, Orlando explores the age-old theme of how love makes us miserable. The warrior Orlando loves Angelica, who doesn’t return his love, leading him into madness in some of Handel’s most stunning music. This production is presented by the SFCM Historical Performance program, and features students from both the Voice program and Baroque Ensemble.

EPSG:4326

Historical Performance Presents: Orlando by Handel

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

With a small baroque ensemble, featuring soprano voice and trumpet, this event explores the themes of love through early music composers, both famous and lesser known. A set of Purcell songs chronicle romantic love and loss, a Pepusch English cantata explores love of country, and a riotous Handel cantata joyfully exclaims a love of life.  Showcasing music that moves from mournful to bombastic, this concert features early music specialist performers.

Morgan Balfour – Soprano – Love in Many Forms

The 222

In an emotionally charged tale of courage in the face of tyranny, internationally acclaimed tenor David Portillo portrays the brave and tragic Turkish Emperor Bajazet, imprisoned by the Tartar Emperor Tamerlano sung by “exquisite” (Opera News) countertenor Ryan Belongie. Following her triumphant 2023 Haymarket debut in La Giuditta, luminescent soprano Emily Birsan sings the role of Asteria, Bajazet’s daughter, desired as wife by both Tamerlano and his Greek ally Andronico, sung by rising star mezzo-soprano Kathleen Felty. Mezzo Emily Fons makes her much-anticipated return to Haymarket as the Princess Irene, Tamerlano’s jilted bride-to-be. Bass-baritone David Govertsen brings his “thrilling bass” (Chicago Stage Style) to the role of Leone, confidant of Andronico.

Tamerlano

DePaul University Welcome Center

Haymarket brings Handel’s blockbuster oratorio La Resurrezione to the stage with an updated nod to its visually sumptuous 1708 premiere. Building on Haymarket’s “brilliantly performed” (Chicago Tribune) films that incorporated projected scenic elements, designer Camilla Tassi makes her Haymarket debut with lavish projections inspired by eye-witness accounts of the first performances of this oratorio. Handel’s score is an opera in all but name, and demands breathtaking vocal and instrumental virtuosity. Early music specialist Christian Curnyn conducts the Haymarket Opera Orchestra with a star-studded cast led by soprano Sarah Brailey as the Angel and baritone Douglas Williams as Lucifer. Vocal fireworks combine with religious fervor in a heroic showdown between Heaven and Hell.

La Resurrezione

The future is now! Early Music America’s (EMA) Emerging Artists Showcase will present several competitively-chosen ensembles that reflect the future of historically informed performance. The groups will be announced in the space in late March, so please stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting announcement!

As the premier service organization for the field in North America, EMA has paved the way for greater appreciation for early music for over three decades.

Violinist

Pauline Kempf

Events

Past events

Apr 12, 2025

Historical Performance Presents: Orlando by Handel · San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Feb 15, 2025

Morgan Balfour – Soprano – Love in Many Forms · 222

Future and recently performed repertoire

Violin in Orlando by Handel

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

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