Cenk Karaferya 'the next big voice in the world of Baroque opera...'

COUNTERTENOR CENK KARAFERYA PERFORMS VIVALDI & HANDEL OPERATIC ARIAS WRITTEN FOR THE GREAT CASTRATI.

Noted for compelling performances in opera and concert, countertenor Cenk Karaferya makes his debut with conductor Bridget Cunningham and Broschi Ensemble. The evening focuses on celebrating the operatic arias written for the castrati voice of the Baroque period.

Described as '...the next big voice in the world of Baroque opera...' (L'Opera, Italy), Cenk Karaferya breathes life into arias by Vivaldi and Handel in an evening of music highlighting both composers genius for the operatic stage. The concert at St John's, Smith Square also directs attention to important instrumental works of Albinoni and Handel that are sublimely framed by Karaferya's offerings: the UK premier of the sinfonia of Croesus and the overture of Rinaldo.

CENK KARAFERYA engages his audience with a matchless vocal quality and musical ability on the world stage today. In opera, recent engagements include: Spirit and 1st Witch in Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, Bartarido in Handel's Rodelinda for Opera de Bauge, David in Handel's Saul for the Royal Swedish Opera Orchestra/Katarina Kyrka, Nero in L'incoronazione di Poppea for TCM and the title role in Handel's Rinaldo for InVivo Opera. Concert appearances include the London Handel Festival, Greenwich Early Music Festival, Istanbul Barok Festival and various appearances with young period groups around the UK and Europe. Cenk has been one of the core recital artists that Handel House London has nurtured since it started.

Giving countless recitals, Cenk has attracted broadcasts over the BBC and RTP and has been praised by the world press. This season’s highlights include the London Handel Festival, St John's, Smith Square, Istanbul Barok Festival, International Mersin Music Festival, Mersin Opera and Ballet and a broadcast of Handel's Messiah on BBC One. Cenk received his musical training with the Trinity College of Music, where he was a pupil of Teresa Cahill. He received masterclasses with countless singers such as David Daniels and Emma Kirkby.

BRIDGET CUNNINGHAM is a leading specialist conductor and harpsichordist, performing and researching Handel and Vivaldi's music. She has played, talked and been interviewed on several BBC broadcasts including Vivaldi's Women, Messiah and radio broadcasts on Night Watch, In Tune, Front Row and Women's Hour. She has also recorded music by Vivaldi for Sky Arts which is to be released in the autumn.

BROSCHI ENSEMBLE is a period orchestra aiming to bring fresh and inventive approach to vocal and instrumental repertoire of the baroque and classical era. It is unique diversity brings different nationalities and cultures together, which is a real asset to their playing. This season highlights include the 2009 London Handel Festival, Handel House, St John's, Smith Square, Istanbul Barok Festival debuts. Broschi Ensemble is conducted by Bridget Cunningham and records it is debut album with countertenor Cenk Karaferya.

PROGRAMME:

G F Handel
'Dover, guistizia, amor' Ariodante
'Verdi allori' Orlando
Overture from Rinaldo
'Cara sposa' Rinaldo
A Vivaldi
'Vedro con mio diletto' Il Giustino
T G Albinoni
Sinfonia to Croesus
A Vivaldi
'Sento in seno ch'in pioggia di lagrime' Tieteberga
'Nel profondo cieco mondo' Orlando Furioso