Glories of Baroque Opera
Favourite Arias and Dances by Handel, Purcell, Vivaldi, Rameau and Campra
From the heart-rending “Lascia ch’io pianga” (Let me weep) from Handel’s opera Rinaldo to the dramatic Frost aria from King Arthur by Purcell, this program of quintessential Baroque arias and dances is sure to transport and delight audiences.
Joined for the first time by internationally acclaimed counter-tenor Tobias Merz, Arioso Chamber Ensemble brings together the talents and experience of leading specialists in Baroque performance. Tobias brings to the group a wealth of experience, having previously sung with Opera Australia, English National Opera, Opera North (UK) and Scottish Opera.
Arioso artists: Tobias Merz (counter-tenor), Margaret Caley (baroque violin), Jacqueline Webber (baroque violin), Janet Brewer (harpsichord) and Shannon Scheltema (viola da gamba), have a passion for bringing baroque music to a wider audience through their performances.
Tickets $15 - 40
PAST CONCERTS 2026
Conversations in Counterpoint
Intimate Baroque chamber music for violin, viola da gamba and harpsichord by Telemann, JS Bach and Buxtehude, plus Purcell's sublime aria "Music for a While", Vivaldi's Motet "In Furore" and his thrilling aria "Agitata da due venti".
Concert duration approx.1 hour.
Sunday 1st March 2026, 3:00 pm
Cooroy Memorial Hall
23 Maple St, Cooroy QLD 4563
(Rescheduled from November 2025 due to storms)
Performers:
Judit Molnár soprano
Margaret Caley baroque violin
Frank Fodor baroque viola
Shannon Scheltema viola da gamba
Janet Brewer harpsichord
From Handel to Hollywood
Timeless Baroque music which features in film scores, including “Master and Commander”, “Pride
and Prejudice”, “The English Patient”, “Farinelli”, “Shine”, “Tous les matins du Monde”, and “Boogie
Nights”!
From the sonorous sounds of the viol da gamba in Marais’ “Le Badinage”, the sensuous
“Lascia ch’io pianga” by Handel, to Boccherini’s evocative “La Musica Notturna”, Baroque music
captures every mood and has been used to great effect in many memorable screen moments.
Concert duration approx.1 hour.
Download Concert Programme
FREE CONCERT
Tuesday March 31st, 12:00pm
Lord Mayor's City Hall Lunchtime Concert
Brisbane City Hall
Performers:
Judit Molnár soprano
Margaret Caley baroque violin
Frank Fodor baroque viola
Shannon Scheltema viola da gamba
Janet Brewer harpsichord
Majestic Theatre
Pomona
Saturday 31st October
4:00pm