Skip Sempé, an American harpsichordist, founder and conductor of the early music ensemble Capriccio Stravagante, returns to Wrocław after several years. During the concert, the artist will lead Wrocław Baroque Orchestra in a repertoire containing works by two leading artists of the Baroque era – George Frideric Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach, as well as a representative of the Mannheim school – Franz Xaver Richter.

The evening will begin with the Pasticcio Suite based on the Sonata in G major op. 5 no. 4 by George Frideric Handel. This sonata was published in 1739 as a part of a collection of seven trio sonatas. Originally, it was intended for two violins with basso continuo, but this evening it will be played in an orchestral version. It will precede the small, though poignant in expression, Grave in G minor by Franz Xaver Richter, a representative of the Mannheim school. The musicians will also perform the Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is one of the most famous and recognizable Baroque orchestral works. This collection of dances, preceded by an Overture, includes a Polonaise. The whole is crowned with the short, airy and very popular Badinerie. There will also be the Sinfonia from the cantata Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats BWV 42, which Bach composed for the celebration of the first Sunday after Easter in April 1725.

The Water Music by George Frideric Handel isa perfect example of a piece written for the needs of the court. The composition consists of three suites in the keys of F major, D major and G major. At the same time, just like the famous Music for the Royal Fireworks, it is a perfect example of highest-quality Baroque entertainment. The work was heard for the first time during the ceremonial cruise of King George I of Hannover on the Thames in July 1717. The suite opens with a dignified overture, preceding a series of brilliant dance passages, including Passepied, Bourrée and Minuet.