The parish church of Niederlana becomes the setting for an evocative musical journey into the early Baroque period. The concert “Vespro della Beata Vergine” presents a reconstruction of a Baroque Vespers service, recreating the sound world and spiritual atmosphere of the 17th century.
At the heart of the performance is the ensemble vita & anima, founded and directed by harpsichordist and organist Peter Waldner. Originally from Mals in the Vinschgau Valley, Waldner is one of the leading interpreters of early music in the Alpine region. After studying musicology and German studies in Innsbruck and completing his musical training at the Tyrolean State Conservatory, he specialised in historical performance practice with renowned musicians such as Gustav Leonhardt in Amsterdam and William Christie in Paris, and at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis.
Today he performs internationally as an organist and harpsichordist and teaches harpsichord, organ and basso continuo at the Tyrolean State Conservatory and the Mozarteum in Innsbruck. His work is documented through numerous recordings for radio and CD; his albums Orgellandschaft Ritten I & II received the prestigious Ö1 Pasticcio Prize.
Joining the ensemble are two distinguished tenors: Jacob Lawrence and Jakob Pilgram.
Originally from Melbourne and now based in Basel, Jacob Lawrence performs regularly with leading early music ensembles across Europe. He was selected for the prestigious Le Jardin des Voix programme by Les Arts Florissants and performs a repertoire ranging from Monteverdi to Purcell, Handel and Haydn.
Basel-based tenor Jakob Pilgram combines an international concert career with teaching and artistic projects. He teaches singing, directs vocal ensembles and curates festivals dedicated to vocal and chamber music.
The programme reconstructs the structure of a Marian Vespers from the Baroque era, allowing voices, instruments and the sacred architecture of the church to interact in a unique musical experience. In the atmospheric setting of the parish church of Niederlana, early Baroque music unfolds with depth, clarity and spiritual resonance.
An inspiring concert evening for everyone who appreciates early music and the beauty of historically informed performance.