Programme

Programme

François Couperin (1668-1733)

Troisième Leçon de Ténèbres

Jean-Joseph Cassanéa de Mondonville (1711-1772):  Cantate Domino

1. Choir

2. Duo for 2 Sopranos

3. Recit for Haute-contre and Choir

4. Choir

5. Trio for Soprano, Haute-contre and Basse

6. Duo for Haute-contre, Basse and Final Choir

Pedro Antonio Avondano (1714-1782)3

Menuets for 2 violins and basses

Ladainha a 4 

Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)

Trio in C major, Opus 3, Hob. V: 16Allegro-Menuet-Finale presto

Miguel Teodoro Ferreira (Minas Gerais, Brazil)

Gradual e Ofertório do Espírito Santo (1810)

Performers

Musical Director & Harpsichord: Bruno Procopio

1st Violins: Sarah Spiteri, Joseph Mallia, Veronica Bartolo 2nd Violins: Marcelline Agius, Tatjana Chircop, Sonia Mallia Cellos: Jacob Portelli, Frank Camilleri Double Bass: Michelle Agius Organ: Joanne Camilleri

Sopranos: Bettina Zammit, Francesca Aquilina, Mardy Farrugia, Mariah Costa, Cledia Micallef, Nadia Vindehall, Lisa Baldacchino, Maria Grazia Grech, Rita Fiore, Gabrielle Portelli Altos: Francesca Buhagiar Tenors: Karl Cassar, Tom Armitage Basses: Albert Buttigieg, Mark Bartolo, Christian Debono

Programme Notes

Originally from Minas Gerais in Brazil and residing in France for many years, Bruno Procopio offers us a unique perspective on this dual culture, rich in exchanges over the centuries. This programme explores the deep interactions between French and Brazilian musical traditions.

The concert will open with François Couperin and his Troisième Leçon de Ténèbres, where the sopranos will be able to fully exploit their vocality and flexibility in a French music that is both rich and ornate.

This will be followed by excerpts from the majestic Motet Cantate Domino by Jean-Joseph Cassanéa de Mondonville. Although French in style, this work is strongly inspired by Italian musicians, allowing the virtuosity of both the choir and the soloists to shine.

Next, we will present a sublime vocal work by Pedro Antonio Avondano, accompanied by his Menuets. This rarely performed repertoire is of great beauty, and the audience in Malta will have the opportunity to discover it.

The programme will also include the Trio in C Major, Opus 3, Hob. V: 16 by Haydn. A composer widely copied and admired in colonial Brazil, Haydn offers us here an absolutely delightful piece that will highlight the freshness and virtuosity of the VIBE - Valletta International Baroque Ensemble.

To conclude this concert, an adorable and exhilarating motet by Miguel Teodoro Ferreira (Minas Gerais, Brazil) will be performed. The end of the program will also be dedicated to popular music from Brazil, particularly from Minas Gerais, a region where a cappella choral music is very prevalent. Bruno Procopio honours the composers of both the past and present from his native region.

This programme promises a fascinating exploration of baroque and popular music through the eyes of a musician navigating between two rich and diverse musical cultures.

Bruno Procopio

Biographies

Bruno Procopio

Harpsichordist and conductor Bruno Procopio studied at the Paris Conservatoire and has since built a distinguished international career. Known for his dedication to Baroque repertoire, Procopio collaborates with prestigious ensembles worldwide. He has conducted acclaimed orchestras such as the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra, Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire, Royal Philharmonic of Liège, and Costa Rica National Orchestra. His versatility extends to collaborations with the Orchestre des Pays de Savoie, São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra (OSESP), and Chœur et Orchestre Les Siècles, affirming his influence on the global music scene.

In collaboration with Venezuela’s El Sistema, Procopio contributed to establishing the Simón Bolívar Baroque Orchestra, underscoring his commitment to Baroque music. In 2019, he founded the Jeune Orchestre Rameau, an international period-instrument ensemble bringing together 60 musicians from 22 countries. Their debut album was recognised with the Scherzo Magazine Excellence Award in Spain and listed among the best releases of 2022.

A frequent guest at major festivals, Procopio performs at events such as the Edinburgh International Festival and the Festival Internacional Cervantino, and in iconic venues like the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées (Paris), Gulbenkian Foundation (Lisbon), and Sala Nezahualcóyotl (Mexico). His tours across Asia and Latin America bring Baroque music to a diverse audience.

As a recording artist, Procopio has released J.S. Bach’s Partitas, C.P.E. Bach’s Württemberg Sonatas, Pièces de clavecin en concerts by Rameau, and sacred works by Marcos Portugal. His album Rameau in Caracas, recorded with the Simón Bolívar Symphony, received awards including Classica’s CHOC and was named Best Album by Classic FM in London. Procopio also founded the Paraty label, promoting classical music through over 500 albums globally.

The Abos Project Consort & Project 

The Abos Project, led by Gillian Zammit, represents a vital commitment to baroque vocal techniques. Previously known as the Monteverdi Project, this educational/musicological project was created with the aim of raising awareness of the vocality of Renaissance and Baroque periods in Malta. The future of the project is particularly oriented to the revaluation of the vocal and instrumental works of the Maltese composer Girolamo Abos, whose impressive musical legacy has recently emerged. This vocal ensemble recently collaborated on the score for Castillo, a Maltese film inspired by Clare Azzopardi's novel Castillo, exploring themes of family, identity, and heritage. This film has been a great success since its premiere in September 2024.