Tara Erraught & Laurence Cummings

NCH Friends Gala

National Symphony Orchestra
Laurence Cummings conductor & harpsichord
Tara Erraught mezzo-soprano

Martínez 'Cantata Berenice, ah che fai?'
Haydn Symphony No. 25 
Haydn 'Scena di Berenice, Berenice, che fai?'
Mozart Exsultate, jubilate 
Mozart Symphony No. 41, Jupiter

New NCH Artist-in-Residence, mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught, is ‘taking the world by storm’ (The Arts Review). Hear why as she partners with the NSO and Laurence Cummings, acclaimed for his work in historical performance, for the electrifying coloratura of Mozart’s Exsultate, jubilate and virtuoso cantatas by Baroque master Haydn and his magnificent peer, Marianne von Martínez. Haydn’s stately, melody-filled Symphony No. 25, and Mozart’s mighty Jupiter promise music to captivate and charm.

Did you know?

Marianne von Martínez was a friend of Haydn, Mozart and the Irish tenor, Michael Kelly.

Her 'Berenice, ah che fai?' sets a text from Antigonus by her mentor Pietro Metastasio, the 18th century’s most important – and most set – librettist.

Haydn was called the ‘father of the symphony’, composing 106 such works in all.

Listen out for…

Martínez’s fiery instrumental writing, the vocal contrasts between low-lying registers and high virtuosic flourishes, and a charming pastoral interlude by two flutes.

The virtuosic coloratura phrasing of Mozart’s Exsultate, jubilate that darts between very high and very low notes, and its demandingly fast, florid passages.

The thrilling final-movement Alleluia in which Mozart sets just that one word with a dazzling flourish.

Trumpets and timpani inking the fast march-like opening of the Jupiter Symphony.

The molten excitability of the Jupiter’s finale that concludes with a five-part fugue involving all parts of the orchestra.