Philippe Jaroussky at the “Zurich Baroque” Festival

Philippe Jaroussky made his conducting debut at the Zurich Opera House with Handel’s Aci, Galatea e Polifemo.

The production featured an outstanding cast, an excellent orchestra, and musical direction deeply rooted in the Baroque repertoire. Bruno de Sá (Aci), Elizabeth DeShong (Galatea), and Nicolas Brooymans (Polyphemus) delivered compelling performances in their roles.

In the end, the audience’s enthusiasm culminated in prolonged applause, standing ovations, and numerous shouts of “bravo.”

“Long celebrated as a countertenor, he appeared here as musical director. Together with the magnificent Orchestra La Scintilla, he created a performance of this splendid music at the highest level. Great knowledge, experience, and a rare joy of playing come together here.”

Marco Stücklin, March 26, 2026, Das Opernmagazin

 

“The Orchestra La Scintilla performs here, as in the Serenata, under the musical direction of Philippe Jaroussky with outstanding inspiration and vibrant color, producing a distinctive sound that ranges from light and airy to ethereally floating.”

Jan Krobot, 29.03.2026, Online Merkur

The festival takes place for the first time from March 20 to 29, 2026.