Accademia de’ Dissonanti: Elinor Frey, Cello and Direction with Joseph Lanza, Violin and Mélisande McNabney, Harpsichord

Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington St

Location

Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington St

Cost

40

Experience the vibrant musical dialogue of the Baroque era as the acclaimed Accademia de’ Dissonanti takes the stage under the direction of cellist Elinor Frey. This exceptional ensemble brings together period instrument specialists to illuminate the dramatic works of Vivaldi and C.P.E. Bach with historical insight and technical brilliance.

The program showcases contrasting masterpieces from two revolutionary composers who shaped eighteenth-century music. Revel in Vivaldi’s inventive Concerto for Strings in G Minor – originally crafted for Venice’s talented conservatory students – featuring playful exchanges and unexpected harmonic twists. The ensemble then explores C.P.E. Bach’s emotionally charged Cello Concerto in A minor, revealing the Sturm und Drang intensity that made this Berlin-based composer so influential.

Witness remarkable artistry from the ensemble’s core trio: Frey’s eloquent cello interpretations intertwine with Joseph Lanza’s dynamic violin playing and Mélisande McNabney’s sparkling harpsichord continuo. Their performance highlights the conversational nature of Baroque music, where each instrumental voice contributes to a vibrant musical discourse.

This carefully curated program offers both fiery virtuosic displays and intimate melodic moments, transporting audiences to the private academies and royal courts where this revolutionary music first came to life. The ensemble’s commitment to historical performance practice ensures an authentic and revelatory listening experience.