Voices of San Lazzaro

In the Venetian lagoon lies an Armenian monastery, San Lazzaro degli Armeni, where since 1717, monks and scholars have gathered there to preserve the traditions of early Christianity and chant. Historically, Venice was a hub for musical publication, publishing works of female composers such as Barbara Strozzi and Francesca and Settimia Caccini.

Our programme explores the union of Armenian and Italian traditions. We tell the Armenian story of faith and the female story of musical prowess in the Italian courts by weaving together works from both traditions through music and narrative. Our practice of self-accompaniment draws inspiration from the Caccini sisters, Barbara Strozzi, and the concerto delle donne, as well as the Armenian ashugh tradition of storytelling through song. We feature works by Claudio Monteverdi, Tarquinio Merula, Nerses Shnorhali, and Grigor Narekatsi.

Nerses Shnorhali (1102–1173) – Aravot luso

Orlando di Lasso (1532–1594) – Susanne un jour

Settimia Caccini (1591–1638) – Due luci ridenti

Armenian traditional – Keler Tsoler

Grigor Narekatsi (c. 950–1007) – Havoon havoon

Claudio Monteverdi (1567–1643) – Si dolce è 'l tormento

Barbara Strozzi (1619–1677) – Che si può fare

Armenian traditional – Hov Arek

Komitas Vardapet (1869–1935) – Soorp Soorp

Barbara Strozzi (1619–1677) – Silentio nocivo

Francesca Caccini (1587–c.1640) – Maria, dolce Maria

Claudio Monteverdi (1567–1643) – Lamento della ninfa

Tarquinio Merula (1595–1665) – Folle è ben che si crede