Virtuosensemble consists of some of the most important members of the Camerata Strumentale Siciliana, united by their deep passion for chamber music and the power of artistic expression. Trained at the most prestigious Italian institutions, including the Chigiana Musical Academy in Siena and the Stauffer Academy in Cremona, they have won numerous national and international competitions. They collaborate regularly with contemporary composers and perform in a wide variety of formations (from duos to sextets) as they expand and develop their interpretative vision. In the context of Virtuosensemble, this vision is manifested in refined performances of chamber music characterised by stylistic precision, technical mastery and emotional intensity. The ensemble will enliven a pleasant summer evening with performances of works by two of the most influential musical innovators of the Baroque period. After beginning with the Suite for Strings by Arcangelo Corelli, a pioneer of numerous new techniques and musical textures (such as the walking bass), they will turn their attention to Antonio Vivaldi and his extensive catalogue of concertos. Vivaldi’s music is firmly rooted in the string idiom, with simple and recognisable themes (ritornelli) alternating with contrasting
episodes. The atmosphere of his fast movements is joyful, while the slow movements, full of gentle lyricism, seem to exist only to highlight the exuberance of the outer movements. The Four Seasons is one of the earliest examples of programme music, in that the four concertos are based on four sonnets written by the composer himself.