Polish countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński and the early music group il Pomo d’Oro are appearing at Hodgson Concert Hall on April 21 at 3 p.m.
Orliński, who is in his early 30s, models, acts and breakdances in addition to performing on operatic and concert stages around the world. His afternoon in Athens will not include breakdancing but will feature unforgettable vocal gymnastics.
Their program, “Beyond,” showcases rarely performed works from the 16th and 17th centuries by Monteverdi, Caccini, Frescobaldi, Cavalli, Strozzi, and others.
Orliński has established himself as one of the world’s leading artists. His sold-out concerts and recitals throughout Europe and America have attracted new followers to the art form. An exclusive artist on the Warner Classics/Erato label, his most recent recording accompanied by friend and pianist Michał Biel titled “Farewells” earned him the prestigious Opus Klassik award for Male Singer of the Year (2023). His new album “Beyond” was released in October 2023, and he is touring throughout the world with il Pomo d’Oro.
The ensemble il Pomo d’Oro was founded in 2012. It is characterized by an authentic, dynamic interpretation of operas and instrumental works from the Baroque and Classical periods. The musicians are all well-known specialists and are among the best in the field of historical performance practice. The ensemble so far has worked with the conductors Riccardo Minasi, Maxim Emelyanychev, Stefano Montanari, George Petrou, Enrico Onofri and Francesco Corti. Concertmaster Zefira Valova leads the orchestra in various projects. Since 2016, Emelyanychev has been its chief conductor, and since 2019, Corti is principal guest conductor.
The name of the ensemble il Pomo d’Oro refers to Antonio Cesti’s opera from the year 1666. Composed for the wedding celebrations of Emperor Leopold I and Margarita Teresa of Spain, “Il pomo d’oro” was probably one of the largest, most expensive and most spectacular opera productions in the still young history of the genre. Twenty-four different stage designs, an equestrian ballet of 300 horses, a fireworks display of 73,000 rockets, and numerous special effects should have made the Emperor’s court the highlight of cultural splendor in Europe.
Audience members can enjoy a pre-performance talk by Theresa Chafin in Ramsey Concert Hall from 2:15-2:45 p.m.
This performance is supported by Maxine and John Rofrano and W. Thomas Wilfong.
Three ways to get tickets
- Purchase tickets online at pac.uga.edu.
- Call the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center box office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (five-minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
Single tickets begin at $25, and UGA student tickets are just $10. Parking is free.
To learn more about all UGA Performing Arts Center events, visit pac.uga.edu.
