“An effortless combination of glamour, charisma, intelligence, grace and remarkable talent” The New York Times The perfect 21st century diva Music | USA Joyce DiDonato has assumed her own regal status among today’s mezzo-sopranos for her musical brilliance, stage presence and personality. In this stunning programme of baroque opera arias, she dons the crowns of famous queens and other royal heroines. Powerful, troubled, assertive and vulnerable, these are character portraits by some of the greatest composers in history including Monteverdi, Handel, Vivaldi and Gluck. 2013 Musical America Vocalist of the Year 2013 Echo Klassik Female Singer of the Year 2012 Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Solo 2011 Premio Franco Abbiati Award for Best Singer 2010 Gramophone Artist of the Year 2010 Echo Klassik Female Singer of the Year PROGRAMME Cesti: ‘Intorno all’idol mio’ from Orontea D Scarlatti: Sinfonia in C from Tolomeo ed Alessandro Monteverdi: ‘Disprezzata regina’ from L’Incoronazione di Poppea Giacomelli: ‘Sposa, son disprezzata’ from Merope Vivaldi: Violin Concerto in D minor, RV 242 Orlandini: ‘Da torbida procella’ from Berenice Hasse: ‘Morte col fiero aspetto’ from Antonio e Cleopatra Handel: ‘Piangerò la sorte mia’ from Giulio Cesare Passacaglia from Radamisto Porta: ‘Madre diletta, abbracciami’ from Ifigenia in Aulide Gluck: Ballet music from Armide Handel: ‘Brilla nell’alma’ from Alessandro MUSICIANS Mezzo-Soprano: Joyce DiDonato Music Director/Violin: Dmitry Sinkovsky with Il Pomo d'Oro