In its first concert for 2018, Thoroughbass presents SEMELE  on Sunday March 11 @ 3pm at Mosman Art Gallery.

Taking its title from the cantata by Elizabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, this all-French program features acclaimed soprano Anna Fraser with violinists Stephen Freeman and Shaun Warden, and continuo by Shaun Ng (viola da gamba) and Diana Weston (harpsichord).

The story of Semelé is one of overweening vanity and ambition. Semelé has become the lover of Jupiter as mortal, but she wants recognition of her lover as Jupiter the god. For this demand she must pay the ultimate price. With ensemble music by Rebel and Marais, the concert demonstrates all the richness of French high baroque.

“Soprano Anna Fraser brought a superb musical and emotional intelligence to her readings of the cantatas and shone as a singing actor whose technique and artistry served the myriad of changing emotions and musical demands of the virtuosic Lucrezia.”  Sounds Like Sydney

Thoroughbass : Stephen Freeman and Shaun Warden (violin), continuo by Shaun Ng (viola da gamba) and Diana Weston (harpsichord)

Nicolas Siret Ouverture from Suite en d. la ré bécarre
Marin Marais 6th Suite des pièces en trio
Elizabeth Jacquet de la Guerre Semelé
Jean-Féry Rebel Tombeau de Monsieur de Lully

Thoroughbass [Facebook]  plays SEMELE ON Sunday March 11 @ 3pm at Mosman Art Gallery. Art Gallery Way, Mosman, NSW, 2088