In its upcoming concert, the Jerusalem Baroque Orchestra continues its journey through Europe’s great cultural capitals—cities that also stood at the heart of the Baroque musical world. Following visits to Jewish Amsterdam, Leipzig, Venice, and Naples, we now turn to two major centers: Dresden, capital of Saxony, and London.
During the reign of Elector Augustus II, Dresden flourished as one of Europe’s leading cultural hubs, a city of rich musical heritage, home to a renowned opera house and the celebrated court orchestra, the Staatskapelle, whose reputation endures to this day.
Dresden’s vibrant musical life attracted musicians from across Europe, including the Italian composer Antonio Lotti. In 1719, Handel visited Dresden, eager to experience the finest musical offerings of the Augustan court and to present his own works there. Selections from Handel’s vocal repertoire will be performed in our program by soprano Einat Aronstein.
Handel also serves as a bridge between Dresden and London, though he was not the only “foreigner” to forge a musical life in England. Francesco Geminiani was likewise captivated by the opportunities London offered and chose to build most of his career there. Among his many achievements, he devoted himself to promoting the works of his teacher, Arcangelo Corelli, arranging his violin sonatas into magnificent concertoi grossi.
The program also features Bach’s Orchestral Suite No.2, a work reflecting his admiration for Dresden. Although he never secured a permanent position there, he was awarded the honorary title of Court Kapellmeister of Saxony—a distinction he cherished throughout his life. Noam Schuss, concertmaster of the Jerusalem Baroque Orchestra, will conduct this rich and engaging program and appear as soloist in Bach’s celebrated suite, performed here in its original violin version—for the first time in Israel.