Martinskirche Basel, 19 October 2016
“In place of the opposing affects, “Parnasso in festa” features a wealth of musical ideas, coherent ensembles, duets and also pure choral movements. The latter was a “found food” for Andrea Marcon and the La Cetra Vokalsensemble – the compactness, elasticity and intensity of the choir are hard to beat. It was no coincidence that two smaller roles were filled by Jenny Högström and Silke Gäng from the choir.
Handel also creates variety with his delight in orchestral colours: there are horns for the hunt, recorder and traverse flute solos in ritornellos or the violone as a solo instrument – all played to perfection by La Cetra. … This was also true of the orchestra, led as always in exemplary fashion by Marcon, who accompanied with verve and ease.”
- Basler Zeitung, 21 October 2016, Vera Naegele
Concertgebouw Amsterdam, 12. November 2016
“The hall’s acoustics flattered the dynamic, propulsive playing of La Cetra Barockorchester, who provided sensational obbligati to the florid arias created for some of Handel’s greatest singers. … The (broadcast) performance of this rarely heard allegorical “serenata” aroused considerable enthusiasm.”
- Opera News, Februar 2017, David Shengold
“Old faithful were conductor Andrea Marcon, La Cetra Barockorchester and Vokalensemble Basel who achieved a high standard. Choir and orchestra sang and played with both tremendous pace (the overture!) and elation (Sciogla al ballo with tambourine) and a beautiful, pensive calm. … And Dutch premiere to pass through a ring!