Music flowed like sunlight through every corner of the eighteenth-century sea port of Naples—from the church to the court, the mountains to the shore. Now a ravishing new ensemble from the southern tip of Australia offers a window into this much-neglected artistic culture.

Under the direction of Melbourne-born violinist Julia Fredersdorff, Van Diemen’s Band is a hand-picked who’s who of Baroque music today, its members having played with the most celebrated ensembles of Europe and Australia. With Cello Napoletano they turn their attentions to the lush musical climate that flourished in Naples.

The program’s highlight is the music of composer and violinist Nicola Fiorenza, whose famously eccentric and hot-blooded temperament echoes through his stirring work. Complemented by the music of Alessandro Scarlatti and Francesco Geminiani, these compositions are redolent with the passion and fire of the Italian opera of the era, while retaining a mystery and charm all of their own.

“This is cello playing of the highest order”, Musica Dei Donum 2015 (on Catherine Jones) 

Heavily influenced by dance, this concert of high Baroque gems features internationally acclaimed cellist Catherine Jones (Australia/Italy) and Baroque guitarist William Carter (UK) join the members of Van Diemen’s Band, for a sumptuous program of Italian music composed during the Spanish Occupation at the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival. Packed with scintillating virtuosity, this is a concert not to be missed.

Boccherini Guitar Quintet No 4 in D major (Fandango)

Vivaldi Cello Concerto RV418 in A minor

after Sanz Guitar Suite

Fiorenza Cello concerto in F major