Haendel / Porpora (Haendel / Purple) by Various, Fra (2017/2017), Dirigent Stefano Montanari, Opéra Nouvel de Lyon, Lyon, France

Appearing in Italy at the end of the 17th century, opera seria was the major dramatic genre of the entire 18th century, spreading throughout Europe – with the exception of France. Stefano Montanari and Lawrence Zazzo offer us an original journey through this repertoire, from the most celebrated masterpieces of Handel or Porpora to the nuggets of still unknown composers. To frame this crossing, a flamboyant baroque concerto by Francesco Maria Veracini (1690-1768) and an elegant classical concerto by the virtuoso violinist Maddalena Laura Lombardini Sirmen (1745-1818).