"Santa Rosalia"

New York Baroque Incorporated: The Rare "Santa Rosalia"

Even way, way back in the day -- the 1680s, to be exact -- the organizers of the annual Santa Rosalia festival in Palermo, Italy wanted the live experience to be special. So the music they commissioned for the celebration was destroyed soon after, making it a truly once-in-a-lifetime event. One of the compositions managed to survive, however, and NYBI is presenting its modern-day premiere at Trinity Church on Wall Street. This monumental work, one of four surviving oratorios by Bonaventura Alliotti, comes to life courtesy of soprano Johannette Zomer, who takes on the title role, co-starring with an alto, tenor, bass and string orchestra.