CORO NUOVO CONCERT at Haywards Heath Methodist Church – Saturday 15 July 2023 – 7.00PM

It’s fascinating to explore the evolution of dramatic music over the course of 500 years. Here are brief insights into some of the pieces Coro Nuovo will be performing:

“Dido’s Lament” by Henry Purcell (1689): This aria is a standout moment from Purcell’s opera “Dido and Aeneas.” It is a heartbreaking lament sung by the Queen of Carthage as she prepares to commit suicide after her lover Aeneas abandons her.

“Lascia Ch’io Pianga” by George Frideric Handel (1711): This aria comes from Handel’s opera “Rinaldo.” It is a beautiful and melancholy piece, sung by the character Almirena as she longs to be reunited with her lover Rinaldo.

“William Tell” by Gioachino Rossini (1829): This opera is best known for its iconic overture, but it also features many other memorable moments, including the Act III ballet and the “Sois immobile” aria sung by the character Mathilde.

“Habanera” by Georges Bizet (1875): This famous aria comes from Bizet’s opera “Carmen.” It is a seductive and passionate piece sung by the title character, Carmen, as she tries to entice the soldier Don José.

“Aida” by Giuseppe Verdi (1871): This grand opera tells the story of a love triangle between the Ethiopian princess Aida, the Egyptian general Radamès, and the jealous princess Amneris. It features many memorable arias, including “Celeste Aida” and “O patria mia.”

“Carousel” by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II (1945): This beloved musical tells the story of a carousel barker named Billy Bigelow and his troubled relationship with his wife Julie. It features many memorable songs, including “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

“Chess” by Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice (1984): This concept album-turned-musical tells the story of a romantic rivalry between two chess players, one American and one Russian, during the Cold War. It features many memorable songs, including “One Night in Bangkok” and “I Know Him So Well.”

Overall, these pieces showcase the incredible variety and emotional depth of dramatic music over the centuries.