Soul of Baroque
Artistic director of Pearls in Baroque, Noriko Amano, has curated a series of three concerts for the 2025–2026 season, celebrating the richness and expressive beauty of the Baroque era.
The series opened on November 9 with vocal works by Handel and Bach, performed by the acclaimed soprano Kristen Witmer. On February 28, a sold-out audience enjoyed a vibrant instrumental program featuring J.M. Leclair’s Première récréation de musique in D major, Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, and Vivaldi’s beloved Four Seasons, performed with brilliance and energy.
The series now concludes on May 31 with a moving program of cantatas by Bach and Montéclair, once again featuring the radiant voice of Kristen Witmer. This final concert offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the intimate power of Baroque vocal music and to join us for a memorable close to the season.
The concerts are further enriched by Baroque dance, performed by the young and graceful Emily van Baaren.
Sunday 31 May 2026
20:15 h
Het Concertgebouw, Kleine Zaal
Soprano Kristen Witmer sings Bach and Montéclair
J.S. Bach, J.M. Leclair, M.P. Montéclair
Single ticket € 45
Baroque violinist Ryo Terakado and harpsichordist Noriko Amano lead Pearls in Baroque in a brilliant performance of Leclair’s Première Récréation de Musique, a magnificent piece in which the French and Italian styles are masterfully combined. The acclaimed soprano Kristen Witmer performs deeply moving cantatas by Bach and Montéclair.
Programme
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J.S. Bach
Cantate ‘Mein Herze schwimmt im Blut’
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J.S. Bach
Suite for Orchestra No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068
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M.P. Monteclair
Cantata ‘La Mort de Didon’
Musicians
Kristen Witmer
Soprano
Ryo Terakado
Solo baroque violin
Noriko Amano
Harpsichord (clavecimbel)
© Lila Poppy Geurts
Noyuri Hazama
Baroque violin
Rainer Zipperling
Viola da gamba, baroque cello
Emily van Baaren
Baroque dance