Orpheus’ Treasure Trove – Saint George and the Dragon

Saint George and the Dragon is a classic legend rooted in Christian mythology and medieval chivalric tales. It tells the story of the brave knight Saint George, who saves a city from a fearsome dragon. The legend has inspired artworks and music throughout the centuries – including the famous sculpture of Saint George and the Dragon in the Great Church (Storkyrkan) in Stockholm’s Old Town.

This concert features music from the Swedish and Danish Baroque eras. Sweden’s Age of Greatness was marked by a flourishing cultural life, with composers such as Johan Helmich Roman – “the father of Swedish music” – helping to shape a distinct Swedish Baroque identity. Later in the 18th century, Carl Michael Bellman created his inimitable songs, capturing life’s shifting moods with humour, depth and a vivid sense of storytelling.

From Denmark and the German territories then under the Danish crown, we hear music by Dieterich Buxtehude – one of the most influential figures of the North German Baroque. The programme also includes works by John Dowland, the master of English Renaissance song, whose melancholy and intimate music was appreciated at the Nordic courts. The versatile Norwegian baritone Bernt Ola Volungholen appears as guest soloist.

Orfeus Barock Stockholm is made up primarily of members of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. In less than a decade, the ensemble has become a vibrant and creative hub for early music in Sweden. Artistic directors are the orchestra’s principal cellist Johannes Rostamo and lutenist Jonas Nordberg. Under the Orpheus’ Treasure Trove banner, the ensemble is presented in a more chamber-like format.