Vivaldi was a violinist without equal, but baroque Venice hosted superstar performers on every type of instrument, and he never failed to rise to the challenge. Today, La Serenissima is joined by the mandolin virtuoso Raffaele La Ragione – an artist with a deep affinity for the Italian baroque, in whose hands the mandolin can weep, sing, dance and (of course) laugh. Naturally, Vivaldi’s Mandolin Concerto is the centrepiece of tonight’s concert, but when La Serenissima takes the stage, all bets are off. Expect an evening filled with 18th century surprises and delights, from show stopping musical fireworks to heartfelt Italian melody.

Programme

Vivaldi – Concerto IX in D minor for violin & strings

Vivaldi – Concerto in C for mandolin & strings

Vivaldi – Concerto XI in D for violin & strings

Vivaldi – Concerto in D minor for viola d’amore, lute & strings

Vivaldi – Concerto in F for strings

Vivaldi – Concerto in G for two mandolins & strings

Performers

La Serenissima

Raffaele La Ragione mandolin

Adrian Chandler violin