Public Media from Michigan State University

Da Ponte’s Oratorio: A Concert for New York

Maestro Donato Renzetti conducts the orchestra during the Oratorio.
Courtesy / Jon Nelson

Fri. Nov. 5 at 10 p.m. on WKAR-HD 23.1 & STREAMING | An Italian opera company restages an oratorio last performed in 1826.

Originally organized by Mozart's librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte, this concert restages the 1826 event that changed America's cultural landscape with the introduction of Italian opera to New York City.

Lost to history for almost 200 years, Da Ponte’s Oratorio finally graces the stage again, performed by Italian opera company Teatro Lirico di Cagliari.

The orchestra and choir of Teatro Lirici di Cagliari perform during the Oratorio.
Courtesy / Jon Nelson

Through the meticulous research of Basilica Music Director Lamenzo and Italian musicologist Zimei, the program recreates as closely as possible what was heard in 1826.

The 2018 concert features the music of Cimarosa and Zingarelli along with that of Haydn, Handel and Arne. Maestro Donato Renzetti conducts, with performances by sopranos Francesca Dotto and Salome Jicia, tenor Patrick Kabongo, and baritones Pier Luigi Dilengite and Daniele Terenzi.

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Email