Concert Ausseer Barocktage 2026 - Das blinde Spiel

In the ambiance of the city parish church in Bad Aussee, the audience is awaited here in the heart of Ausseerland for an evening amidst a magical sound world:

In the ensemble Concerto di Margherita, five wonderful voices merge with five string instruments to create a captivating sound in the historic self-accompanied singing. Taking vocal and instrumental works by composers from the late 16th and early 17th centuries as inspiration, the ensemble Concerto di Margherita presents a fable with related direction of an archetypal lover who, like Amaryllis in Guarini's play, is caught in an unrequited game of "Blind Man's Bluff." Amaryllis accidentally ends up blindfolded in the arms of Mirtillo, who secretly desires her. While the two figures wander blindly, Guattini's choir laments the false nature of blind love: "Amor, no you are not blind, but whoever entrusts themselves to your hands, you can blind them and be unfaithful more than blind." Thus, the choir comments in Guarini's play "The Faithful Shepherd" (Il pastor fido) on the passionate yet troubled love story of two lovers.

The musicians, who all sing in five-part harmony, act and accompany themselves on their string instruments, take the audience on the path of the lovers with enchanting music that captivates the listeners in an almost meditative trance! The concert program transports us into a magical, enchanted world of sound.

"Concerto di Margherita are a most accomplished, talented group of musicians who perform with great sensitivity, a lovely blending of voices and totally convincing acting through song."

The Yorkshire Times - York Early Music Festival review 

Francesca Benetti - Theorbo, direction & vocals
Tanja Vogrin - Baroque harp & vocals
Emma-Lisa Roux - Renaissance lute & vocals
Jonatan Alvarado - Vihuela (Baroque guitar) & vocals
Rui Stähelin - Theorbo, Renaissance lute & vocals