FESTIVAL OPENING
22, 24 February 2011
Concert Hall, HK Cultural Centre

“The opera scene today has few truly distinct voices… Luciano Pavarotti was one. Cecilia Bartoli is another” The New York Times

For over two decades, Bartoli has occupied dazzling heights of popularity and respect that few classical musicians can rival. The undisputed bestselling coloratura mezzo-soprano of our time has won numerous honours including multiple Grammy and Classical Brit awards. She has sold eight million CDs worldwide and ranked in the international pop charts for more than 100 weeks, bringing classical music to the hearts of millions. 

Herbert von Karajan, Daniel Barenboim and Nikolaus Harnoncourt were among the first conductors who noticed her talent while she was still a student. Bartoli performs at every important concert hall, opera house and festival around the world, collaborating with artists of the highest calibre.

The “Queen of Agility” will display her virtuosic artistry over two concerts accompanied on piano by Sergio Ciomei. The Festival Opening performance will include romantic songs from 19th century Italy and France with gems by Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, Bizet, Viardot and others.

On the second evening, for the first time in Asia, Cecilia Bartoli will perform some of the most difficult Baroque arias ever written, which were originally intended for castrati in the 18th century, and include works by Porpora, Handel, Vinci, Caldara, Araia and more.