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 showstopping 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