In FURY / MERCY, soprano Channa Malkin and early music ensemble La Sfera Armoniosa under the direction of Mike Fentross present a deeply personal and emotionally charged exploration of Antonio Vivaldi’s vocal and instrumental works. Moving seamlessly between operatic arias, sacred motets, and concerti, this programme delves into the extremes of the human emotional spectrum — from searing rage to tender compassion.

The journey begins with music from La fida ninfa, where betrayal and longing unfold through heartbreakingly intimate arias. From there, the thunderous outcry of Armatae face et anguibus (Juditha Triumphans) erupts, before giving way to the serene and redemptive beauty of the motet In furore iustissimae irae. Along the way, the programme reveals lesser-known Vivaldi gems — such as the Concerto in D Minor “Madrigalesco” — each chosen and interpreted to show the transformative power of emotion in music.

In concert, Vivaldi’s works are paired with the Concerti a Quattro by his Dutch contemporary Henrico Albicastro — a rediscovered master championed by Mike Fentross, whose music brims with virtuosity, originality, and a distinctive voice that deserves a place in today’s repertoire.

Praised by De Volkskrant, Opernglas, and Luister Magazine for her “beautiful, crystal-clear voice” and “compelling storytelling,” Channa Malkin joins La Sfera Armoniosa, recently nominated for the Edison Award, for this striking and heartfelt programme.

FURY / MERCY is made possible by the Amarte Foundation, Rosanne Philippens Foundation, Cultuurfonds NL, and Sena Music Production Fund.