Program

Born in Naples in 1686, Nicola Porpora was one of the most remarkable italian opera composer and singing teacher of the eighteenth century. One year younger than Haendel and Bach, he taught at the Conservatorio of Sant Onofrio (1715-1721) in Naples and afterwards he was appointed maestro di capella at the service of prince Hesse-Darmstadt (1711-1725). In 1726 he moved to Venice, to become maestro at  the Ospedale degli Incurabili, and in 1733 he was appointed principal composer of the Opera of the Nobility in London, competing with Haendel at the King's Theater. Back to Vienna as singing teacher in 1752, where the young Haydn was among his main assistants. He wrote over 50 operas, and several serenatas, one of the most refined example is Gli orti Esperidi  (1721), commissioned to celebrate the anniversary of empress Elisabeth Christina of Austria.