La Francesina
Handel’s favourite soprano of his latter years, Elisabeth Duparc
Works by G. F. Händel
Musical direction: Franck-Emmanuel Comte (harpsichord)
Soloist: Sophie Junker (soprano), Le Concert de l'Hostel Dieu
30 €
free choice of place
This concert paints the portrait of a great singer of the 18th century: “La Francesina”. Her actual name was Elisabeth Duparc. Born in France, educated in Italy, earning fame in London, she was one of the last great muses of George Frideric Handel. The timbre and suppleness of her voice were singled out for particular praise by numerous contemporaries. In this programme, which ranges from opera to oratorio, the Belgian soprano Sophie Junker pays tribute to “La Francesina” and explores the collaboration that associated her with Handel for a decade. Accompanying her is the ensemble Le Concert de l’Hostel Dieu, founded in 1992 and one of the most important players on the French Baroque scene. It thrives on numerous collaborations and has set itself the mission of juxtaposing the Baroque aesthetic with cultures and artists from different countries.