Constantinople – Past Concerts

Explore the epics of the Mandinka Kingdom with kora master Ablaye Cissoko & Montreal’s Ensemble Constantinople, in this concert that seeks to blend the sounds of West Africa & Persia.

Tribute to Italian composer/singer Barbara Strozzi that explores lighter side of her repertoire, as well as her famous lament Lagrime mie, complimented by plucked & bowed string instruments from Iran, Turkey, & Italy.

Ensemble Constantinople reinvents work by Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger, Claudio Monteverdi, Salamone Rossi, & others. Also included are masterpieces from the Ottoman court & new works by Kiya Tabassian.

Ensemble Constantinople performs the music of Moldavian prince/scholar/composer/diplomat Dimitrie Cantemir, a central figure in Ottoman music history.

Constantinople and guest soprano Suzie LeBlanc reinvent the cantatas of 17th-century singer and composer Barbara Strozzi, a worthy heiress of Monteverdi, who created a secular vocal repertoire that intoxicates the senses. Metamorfosi Musicali also features instrumental works of Johannes Kapsberger, whose spontaneous phrasing and sharp contrasts provide fertile ground for Constantinople’s improvisations.