This year, the event is dedicated entirely to the compositions of George Frideric Handel, the renowned German-born composer, according to organizers.
Andrzej Klimczak, the director of the Polish Royal Opera, said on Wednesday: "I adore Handel. Every concert is a personal, sentimental journey for me. I always say that I walk the path of the legacy left behind by Stefan Sutkowski, my beloved artistic father."
Speaking in an interview with Poland's PAP news agency, Klimczak added: "The festival's repertoire consists of exquisite pieces, each composition close to my heart. What could be superior to Messiah, Rinaldo, or more unique than the pastoral serenade Acis and Galatea in its English version? Every Baroque music enthusiast should attend and experience such opera. Of course, Messiah remains Handel's most iconic work."
The festival will open with Messiah, directed by Krzysztof Garstka and presented at Warsaw's Seminary Church at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 7.
Between September 17 and October 8, performances are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Royal Theatre, in the Old Orangery of the Royal Łazienki Museum.
The festival will feature concert-style performances of Imeneo on September 17, which marked Handel's last operatic season, under the musical direction of Martyna Pastuszka.
On September 21 and 22, Natalia Kozłowska will direct the opera Acis and Galatea, a narrative inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses.
October 1 will spotlight the opera Rinaldo, led by concertmaster Michał Piotrowski.
Describing the festival's significance, Piotrowski told the PAP news agency that "the festival is remarkable, showcasing the entire spectrum of Handel's work, from his debut opera Rinaldo ... to Imeneo, one of his last operas staged in London."
In a bid to make the art more accessible to newcomers, the festival promises to not only entertain but also educate attendees on the profound influences and depths of Baroque music.
The festival concludes on October 7 and 8 with Handel's opera Rodelinda, conducted by Garstka and directed by Klimczak.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP
