Il Pomo d'Oro will be performing an Italian Baroque gem on 4 May 2027 at the Teatro Real, namely a sacred opera by Alessandro Stradella, originally commissioned by the Confraternity of Saint John of the Florentines in Rome, which revives the tragic biblical episode of the encounter between St. John the Baptist and Salome.
Conducted by Francesco Corti, this production is committed to stylistic accuracy and Baroque expressiveness. Led by the renowned countertenor, Jakub Józef Orliński, whose presence adds magnetism to a production that focuses on the moral and political conflicts in Herod’s court.
The action unfolds in a tense triangle marked by power, desire and revenge. St. John the Baptist publicly calls out the illicit relationship between Herod and Herodias, unleashing the latter’s anger. In this context, manipulated by her mother, Salome uses her seductive charms to influence the ruler. After the famous dance, torn between desire and the obligation to keep his word, Herod grants Salome’s request and orders the prophet to be beheaded.
The outcome plunges the audience into an atmosphere of guilt and remorse, where the martyr’s innocence contrasts with the moral corruption surrounding him. This production underpins the relevance of universal themes, such as power, manipulation and injustice in a piece that combines dramatic intensity and musical refinement.
Il Pomo d’Oro is one of the most outstanding ensembles on the international scene in the historical performance of the Baroque and Classical repertoire. Founded in 2012, the ensemble takes its name from the opera Il pomo d’oro by Antonio Cesti, a symbol of the musical splendour of the 17th century, and has reflected a commitment to the recovery of the original sound of ancient music from its outset.
Made up of musicians specialised in period instruments, the ensemble has been characterised by its energetic, virtuous and rigorous approach, which has enabled it to quickly establish itself on major European stages and at leading festivals. Its repertoire ranges from early Baroque to the Classical period, paying special attention to composers like Georg Friedrich Händel, Antonio Vivaldi or Claudio Monteverdi.
In addition to its intense concert activity, Il Pomo d’Oro maintains a prolific discography, acclaimed by international critics and recognised with various awards. Its recordings stand out for their recovery of relatively unknown works along with new interpretations of major works from the Baroque repertoire.
Artistic File:
- Musical Conductor - Francesco Corti
- Orchestra - Il Pomo d'Oro
Cast:
- St. John the Baptist - Jakub Józef Orlinski
- Salome - Mélissa Petit
- Herod - Alex Rosen
- Herodias - Emmanuelle de Negri
Programme:
- Oratory in Two Parts
- Music by Alessandro Stradella (1643-1682)
- Libretto by Ansaldo Ansaldi
Language: Italian with English and Spanish subtitles
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