The Italian ‘Modern Style’ of music that would mark the future of western music was no stranger to Spain, not least because the Kingdom of Naples was part of the Hapsburg empire. This Italian fashion was also championed by the second wife of Philip V, Elizabeth Farnese, who was influential in attracting the Neapolitan Domenico Scarlatti to the royal court in Madrid. The Spanish composer José de Nebra likely greeted Scarlatti as he was harpsichord teacher to the Portuguese Barbara of Braganza, future queen to King Ferdinand VI. Both Ferdinand and Barbara had a profound passion for music, and their reign reflected a true musical paradise, dominated by musicians such as the celebrated singer Farinelli.
Soprano Rachel Allen has gone from singing in the Pacific Baroque Festival as a member of the Victoria Children's Choir and studies at the Victoria Conservatory of Music to appearing in the concert halls of London and Europe and on the BBC. We are pleased to welcome her back to perform cantatas by the Spanish composer José de Nebra (a work unearthed a mere 25 years ago in the archives of the cathedral of Guatemala City) and the Neapolitan Domenico Scarlatti, best known for his 555 keyboard sonatas.