Countertenor David Daniels with The English Concert March 26, 2009

Remarkable countertenor David Daniels joins The English Concert for an evening of sacred arias and cantatas by Bach and Handel, presented by San Francisco Performances.

Known for his superlative artistry and magnetic stage presence, Daniels has redefined his voice category for the modern public. The English Concert is a renowned Baroque orchestra based in London. For this concert, Music Director Harry Bicket will also play harpsichord and organ.

The program begins with Bach's "Orchestral Suite No. 1 in C Major, BWV 1066," as well as selected sacred arias and cantatas by the composer. Featured on the second half are Handel's "Concerto Grosso in A Major, Op. 6, No. 11, HWV 329," and scenes and arias from his operas "Radamisto," "Partenope" and "Orlando." Many of the works are on a CD, "Bach: Sacred Arias and Cantatas," released this fall on the Virgin label.

Born in South Carolina, the son of two singing teachers, David Daniels started out as a boy soprano, moving to tenor as his voice matured. He made the daring switch to countertenor during graduate studies at the University of Michigan. Last season Daniels appeared in Gluck's "Orfeo ed Euridice" at the Metropolitan Opera, prompting the New York Times to comment: "...he's a wonder, with a warm virile voice of enormous expressivity."

In 2007, Bicket became the third artistic director of the 34-year-old English Concert, which has more than 100 recordings for Deutsche Grammophon to its credit. The ensemble works regularly with leading guest directors and presents a prestigious series of concerts in London each season.

$65/$40.

Official Website: http://www.performances.org