One of the most enigmatic figures of 18th-century opera, the castrato Senesino — born Francesco Bernardi — was a true star of his time. His voice, combining clarity, power and sweetness, together with his charismatic stage presence, made him sought-after throughout Europe. When GEORG FRIEDRICH HÄNDEL heard him in Dresden in 1719, he immediately invited him to London, where the singer was warmly received.
Despite their difficult relationship and their notorious backstage clashes, Handel wrote for him some of his most astonishing arias, shaping the very ideal of the “heroic” protagonist of Baroque opera. Senesino’s extraordinary vocal abilities also inspired other composers of the period, such as ANTONIO VIVALDI and NICOLA PORPORA, who showcased the dazzling virtuosity and dramatic intensity of this distinctive male voice.
Internationally acclaimed countertenor Max Emanuel Cenčić, one of today’s foremost interpreters of the Baroque repertoire, revives this unique musical legacy in a special gala dedicated to the vocal brilliance, theatrical grandeur and passion that defined the golden age of Baroque opera. He is joined by Camerata – Orchestra of the Friends of Music, performing on period instruments under the direction of Nicola Valentini.
