Music

Nathalie Stutzmann is leading Orfeo 55, a celebrated French ensemble performing instrumental and vocal works of baroque and modern repertoires, both on period and modern instruments. Performances by Orfeo 55 follow a unique format with Stutzmann in two roles— as conductor and vocal soloist.

The ensemble plays a range of 18th century baroque music featuring the Italian opera arias of Vivaldi and the French dances of Lully and Rameau. The selected program, which includes rediscovered pieces of the distinctive repertoire traditionally written for male contralto singers, is now being performed by Stutzmann, a female contralto singer.

Stutzmann is one of the most distinguished female contraltos of her generation specializing in the baroque repertoire. Her interpretation of Handel’s subsidiary operatic arias in the album Heroes from Shadows is noted for the emotional intensity, expressive authenticity, and rich virtuosity of her sumptuous voice.

Orfeo 55 is resident baroque ensemble at Montpellier Opera, and supported by the French Ministry of Culture, Opéra de Monte Carlo, Institut Français and SPEDIDAM. Nathalie Stutzmann is Associate-Artist with the Singer-Polignac foundation in Paris.