"BAROQUE CHRISTMASES" Tuesday 6 and Friday 9 December 2016 – Visitation Chapel – 8.30 p.m.

Since 2011, the Principality's Department of Cultural Affairs has presented concerts of Baroque music every December in the Visitation Chapel.  This year, the programmes are centred on a major event of the liturgical calendar – preparing to celebrate Christmas.

 Tuesday 6 December 2016, at 8.30 p.m:

"Veni, Veni Emmanuel" by The Gesualdo Six

Owain Park, conductor – Guy James, countertenor – Alex Chance, countertenor – Joseph Wicks, tenor – Josh Cooter, tenor – Michael Craddock, baritone – Sam Mitchell, bass.

The Gesualdo Six are a vocal sextet directed by Owain Park.  The ensemble focuses on ancient music and more specifically the polyphonic repertoire of the Renaissance, but also offers programmes that combine modern pieces with sacred and secular works.

Since its creation in 2014, The Gesualdo Six have given numerous concerts in the United Kingdom and are preparing other tours there, as well as concerts abroad, notably in Germany.

 Friday 9 December 2016, at 8.30 p.m:

"Natale in Italia" by the Ensemble La Fenice

Jean Tubéry, cornet and conductor – Stéphanie Pfister, violin – Nicolas Achten, theorbo – Keiko Gomi, cello – Jan Van Elsacker, tenor – Mathieu Valfré, harpsichord and organ.

La Fenice is the name taken by a group of musicians who were first brought together in 1990 by cornet player Jean Tubéry, inspired by the desire to share their passion for the magnificent Venetian music of the 17^th century.  The ensemble's repertoire, however, covers the whole of Europe, and spans more than two centuries of music.

The Ensemble La Fenice has won two international first prizes (Bruges, 1990 and Malmö, 1992).  Since then, it has been invited to the leading festivals in Europe and beyond - the United States, South America, Japan and China.  The members of the Ensemble La Fenice are all virtuoso players of their instruments who pursue international careers with today's best ensembles.

Visitation Chapel, Monaco-Ville

Admission free, subject to the availability of seats

Doors open at 8 p.m.

Further Information:  +377 98 98 83 03