Feb 21–23, 2025, Jeanne Lamon Hall
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra
Directed by Alfredo Bernardini, oboe soloist
The “sublime” (Gramophone) Italian oboist Alfredo Bernardini returns to lead Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra in a high-octane program devoted to the music of Bach and his contemporaries. Widely considered to be the leading baroque oboist of our time, Bernardini captivates audiences with his charismatic and engaging stage presence. Concerts take place on Feb 21 & 22 at 8 PM and Feb 23 at 3 PM and tickets are available at tafelmusik.org.
Bernardini’s hand-picked selection for this program includes a trio of works with striking orchestral textures: Tafelmusik’s premiere performance of the Concerto in B-flat Major for three violins and three oboes by Telemann, the playfully inventive Suite in G Minor for three oboes by Fasch, and the celebrated Suite in D Major by Bach.
Bernardini’s “sparkling, communicative approach … the perfect synthesis of splendour and dance-like charisma” (Gramophone) shines in Handel’s Oboe Concerto in G Minor.
“We musicians love to use our sense of humor to communicate with the audience and to express our feelings,” says Alfredo Bernardini. “All forms of art have the purpose to evoke feelings, to touch our sensitivity, to make our life more complete.”
“Alfredo’s previous appearances with Tafelmusik have been characterized by virtuosity, brilliance, joy, and infectious energy,” says Cristina Zacharias, Tafelmusik’s Artistic Co-Director. “We look forward to continuing that arc with Triple Espresso and exploring the unique sound world of this fantastic three-oboe repertoire.”
LISTING INFORMATION:
Tafelmusik presents Triple Espresso: Bach, Handel & Fasch
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra
Directed by Alfredo Bernardini, oboe soloist
Feb 21 & 22 at 8 PM and Feb 23 at 3 PM
Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre
Tickets start at $20 and are available at tafelmusik.org.
Alfredo Bernardini’s guest appearance with Tafelmusik is generously supported by Istituto Italiano di Cultura and Lavazza. Tafelmusik gratefully acknowledges the support of BMO, Presenting Sponsor of the 2024/25 concert season, as well as support from Brookfield and Power Corporation of Canada. We are also grateful to our government partners Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
ABOUT ALFREDO BERNARDINI
The Italian-born oboist Alfredo Bernardini studied early music in the Netherlands, graduating in 1987. He has since performed all over the world as a member of ensembles such as Hesperion XX, Le Concert des Nations, La Petite Bande, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, The English Concert, Bach Collegium Japan, Tafelmusik, and others. He has played in more than 100 recordings. In 1989 he founded the ensemble ZEFIRO, which has been awarded major international prizes. He has been a guest director of baroque orchestras all over Europe, in Canada, Australia, Venezuela, Cuba, Israel, and with the European Union Baroque Orchestra and Theresia Classical Youth Orchestra. He is currently professor at the Mozarteum University of Salzburg.
ABOUT TAFELMUSIK
Brandon Chui, Dominic Teresi, Cristina Zacharias, Artistic Co-Directors
Glenn Hodgins, Executive Director
Every now and then a group of musicians comes along and changes the way we think about music. For over four decades, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir has been synonymous worldwide with dynamic, engaging, and soulful performances informed by scholarship, passion and artistic excellence. Performing on instruments and in styles appropriate to the era, Tafelmusik has performed in more than 350 cities in 32 countries. Its extensive discography on the Sony, CBC Records, Analekta and Tafelmusik Media labels have garnered ten JUNOs and numerous international recording prizes. From a vibrant home season in Toronto, to international tours, award-winning recordings, innovative collaborations, and inspiring education programs, Tafelmusik is a musical powerhouse with a reputation for thrilling and delighting audiences. www.tafelmusik.org
Website: tafelmusik.org
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Media contact:
Luisa Trisi, Big Picture Communications
luisa@luisatrisi.com | 427 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1X7