Monaco’s discerning music lovers will have an excellent opportunity to hear two international ensembles at concerts on Tuesday, December 6 and Friday, December 9 at the Chapel of the Visitation on the Rock. Both events start at 8:30 pm.

The concerts of baroque music are centred on programmes that concern a major event of the liturgical calendar: the preparation of the Christmas celebration.

The first concert features Veni Emmanuel by The Gesualdo Six, directed by Owain Park, with Guy James (countertenor), Alex Chance (countertenor), Joseph Wicks (tenor), Josh Cooter (tenor ), Michael Craddock (baritone) and Sam Mitchell (bass).

The ensemble favours ancient music and, more precisely, the polyphonic repertoire of the Renaissance, but also offers programmes combining modern and sacred and secular works. Since its creation in 2014, The Gesualdo Six has given numerous concerts around the UK and is preparing other tours and concerts abroad, notably in Germany.

Friday’s concert – Natale in Italia (Christmas in Italy) – by La Fenice Ensemble is directed by Jean Tubéry, who also plays the cornet, featuring Stéphanie Pfister (violin), Nicolas Achten (theorbo), Keiko Gomi (cello), Jan Van Elsacker (tenor) and Mathieu Valfré (harpsichord and organ).

La Fenice focusses largely on the magnificent Venetian music of the seventeenth century. The repertoire of the ensemble nevertheless embraces all Europe, and covers more than two centuries of music.

Entrance for both concerts is free, but depends on spaces being available. Doors open at 8 pm. For further information: +377 98 98 83 03.

Article first published November 29, 2016.