"Caro Ardore, Sacro Amore"

The magnificent music of Giovanni Paolo Colonna comes to life during this concert in honour of the patron saint of Bologna in the chapel of the Basilica of San Petronio - the place where he was organist and kapellmeister in the mid-17th century. The works in this programme are rarely heard because of their grand dimensions and the high demands they make on the virtuosity of the performers. They include the colossal "Dixit Dominus" for two choirs, trumpet fanfare and strings and the breathtaking "Beatus vir", which may be the earliest example of a concerto grosso ever composed. The Coro & Orchestra della Cappella Musicale Arcivescovile della Basilica di San Petronio (the resident ensemble of the archbishop's basilica, so to speak) performs with the Ensemble Vocale Color Temporis. The musical direction is in the hands of Michele Vannelli.