Al Ayre Español

As a culmination of the Baroque cycle, conductor and harpsichordist Eduardo López Banzo, the mastermind behind Handel's extraordinary Orlando performed at Les Arts in 2008, reveals the musical universe of the Madrid-born organist and composer José de Torres, principal organist of the Royal Chapel and a key figure of the Spanish Baroque who spearheaded the modernization of musical practice. Leading his ensemble Al Ayre Español (National Music Prize 2004), Banzo revives some of the cantatas to the Blessed Sacrament written by Torres, such as the beautiful Afectos amantes, sung with expressive voice by Maite Beaumont, interspersed with Handel sonatas and anonymous pieces from the early 18th century.