Musical virtuosity became a new religion in the beginning of the 18th century and the singer became the new god. Adored and cherished, castratos could be considered as the first « celebrities » ever and their rivalries became naturally part of the process of the star-system. The rivalry between Farinelli and Carestini became legendary, but only a few know that behind them stood the rivalry between two famous composers: Porpora and Händel. During a couple of years, they wrote for their singers some of their most inspired works, they composed beautiful arias to glorify the voice of their singers. It's all these masterpieces that Philippe Jaroussky performs with Venice Baroque Orchestra. Programme Porpora Overture Mira in cielo from Arianna in Creta Si pietoso il tuo labbro from Seramide Instrumental piece Händel Mi lusinga il dolce affetto from Alcina Sta nell'ircana from Alcina Intermission Händel Agitato da fiere tempeste from Oreste Scherza infida from Ariodante Instrumental piece Porpora Alto giove from Polifemo Nell'attendere from polifemo Philippe Jaroussky & Venice Baroque Orchestra Philippe Jaroussky The French counter-tenor Philippe Jaroussky has already established himself as one of the major singers in the international musical world. His technique allows him the most audacious nuances and impressive pyrotechnics. Philippe Jaroussky has an extremely large repertoire in the baroque area, from the refinements of the italian Seicento with Monteverdi and Rossi to the staggering brilliance of Handel or Vivaldi's music. Philippe Jaroussky has worked with the best baroque orchestras such as Ensemble Matheus, Les Arts Florissants, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Le Concert d'Astrée, L'Arpeggiata, with conductors like William Christie, Jean-Christophe Spinosi, Marc Minkowski, René Jacobs, Christina Pluhar, Emmanuelle Haïm or Fabio Biondi. Venice Baroque Orchestra Founded in 1997 by Baroque scholar and harpsichordist Andrea Marcon, the Venice Baroque Orchestra is recognized as one of the premier ensembles devoted to period instrument performance, committed to the rediscovery of 17th and 18th century masterpieces. The Orchestra has received wide critical acclaim for its concert and opera performances throughout North