Exploring themes of courage, self-acceptance, ambition, justice, and power, Ester, Liberatrice Del Popolo Ebreo ("Esther, Liberator of the Jewish People") by Alessandro Stradella (1639–1682) tells the story of a timid girl, secret Jew, and Persian Queen who summons the bravery to save her people from annihilation. The New Consort serves as the vocal ensemble for this rediscovered Baroque gem presented by Salon/Sanctuary Concerts.
Originally intended to be performed in a Baroque palace for an aristocratic Catholic audience, this bracingly innovative work was largely lost to time before its recent rediscovery. Join us as this masterpiece resounds again in the Museum at Eldridge Street's magnificently restored 1887 Main Sanctuary.
Ester: Jessica Gould, soprano
Speranza Celeste: Sonia Tedla, soprano
Mardocheo: Kinneret Ely, mezzo-soprano
Aman: Gabriele Lombardi, baritone
Assuero: Salvo Vitale, bass
Testo: Matthew Curran
Camerata Grimani, orchestra
The New Consort, vocal ensemble
Caitlyn Koester, harpsichord & music director