Higher Angels presented by Australian Brandenburg Orchestra

The sublime soprano. The emotional countertenor. Closely connected but distinctly different, the high male and female voices are the sparkling stars of Baroque. Individually alluring, collectively dynamic, two leading Australian singers will share the stage in a shimmering exposition of Baroque arias and orchestral gems.

Sara Macliver and Russell Harcourt will masterfully explore the exquisite possibilities of this breathtaking vocal combination.

Sara’s deep association with the Brandenburg began in 1996 when she performed with Paul Dyer for Diana, Princess of Wales. Sara seized audiences' hearts in the inaugural 2000 Noël! Noël! concert and has since recorded 35 albums with ABC Classic and become one of Australia’s leading exponents of Baroque vocal performance.

Renowned for his dexterous delivery in the Bel Canto style, longtime Brandenburg friend Russell Harcourt has performed in many of the world's great opera houses. The UK Guardian’s Stephen Pritchard describes Russell as “an impressive Handelian with a thrilling top register."

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Handel Concerto Grosso in B-flat major, Op. 3 No. 2, HWV 313 Graun, CH ‘Tra le procelle assorto’ from Cesare e Cleopatra, GraunWV B:I:7 Handel ‘Venti, turbini’ from Rinaldo, HWV 7 Handel ‘Caro! Bella! Più amabile beltà’ from Giulio Cesare, HWV 17

ARTISTS Paul Dyer AO Artistic Director, harpsichord Sara Macliver (Perth) soprano Russell Harcourt (London) countertenor Australian Brandenburg Orchestra