À modo italiano with Ensemble 642
The enchanting plucked strings of Ensemble 642 bring to life one of the most groundbreaking periods of musical creation, the seventeenth century in Italy, known as the ‘Seicento’, a truly modern moment in musical history. With the birth of new genres such as the earliest operas and virtuosic instrumental music came new instruments, the arpa doppia (Italian baroque triple harp) and the tiorba or chitarrone (theorbo). Performed only in the exclusive circles of the Italian courts by virtuoso composer/performers such as Castaldi, Kapsberger and Frescobaldi, hear this music, which aims to bewitch the senses and move the soul, in its most intimate duo setting.
Ensemble 642 (Hannah Lane, baroque harp and Nicholas Pollock, theorbo, lutes, baroque guitar) explores the breathtaking sound of early plucked string instruments of the Baroque, bringing exquisite music that hasn’t been heard for hundreds of years into the 21st century, to share the spirit and emotion of Baroque music with contemporary audiences. Two of the most exciting artists in the next generation of Antipodean musicians dedicated to early music, Ensemble 642 performs both as a duo, with the rare combination of baroque harp and lute, and in collaboration with leading guests.
Both musicians perform regularly with leading ensembles in Australia and internationally including the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Pinchgut Opera, Orchestra of the Antipodes, Australian Haydn Ensemble, Latitude 37, Van Diemen’s Band, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Concerto Romano.
They are recording artists for Decca Classics, Obsidian Records and ABC Classics, and have appeared at international festivals including Urbino Musica Antica Festival, Spoleto Festival and Adelaide Festival. The ensemble’s name ‘642’ refers to the art of basso continuo — an improvisatory practice, which is fundamental to the performance of Baroque music—and specifically to the historical numbering system used by basso continuo players to denote the harmonies to be played above the bass line.
Tickets $45 adult, $40 concession and $25 child under 18. All tickets must be pre-purchased. Details on the ticketing link.
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