The Four Seasons concertos by Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741), an Italian composer from the Baroque era, will be performed by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Chamber Orchestra with conductor and soloist Khaled El-Showeikh.

Vivaldi, a profilic composer, wrote over 500 concerti along with operas and sacred works. First published in 1725, the 12 concerti were originally titled, Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione (The Test of Harmony and Invention).

Today widely known, the composition is divided into four sections, with each compiled to accompany a sonnet.

Each part — spring, summer, autumn and winter — carries a unique texture and as such represents each consecutive season in a picturesque manner.

The listener is taken from a joyous "spring" described with the sounds of birds singing, flowery meadows, nymphs and shepherds to "summer" characterised by strong sun and thunder. Then comes "autumn," where the composer adds celebratory accents as peasants collect the harvest and hunters return with their prey. In "winter" the music depicts cold harsh winds while strings tremble with icy snow.

Many of Vivaldi's concerti are not often performed. The Four Seasons remains popular until today, and attracts audiences worldwide to concert halls.

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina Chamber Orchestra (BACO), consisting of 16 string players, was founded in 2002 with the launch of the Arts Centre’s activities the same year. Since its founding, the BACO has given a variety of concerts in Alexandria and Cairo, performing a repertoire filled with Western classical music, Arabic music and light music compositions, often cooperating with renowned Egyptian and international soloists and conductors.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina Chamber Orchestra will be conducted by Khaled El-Showeikh who will also perform solo violin.

Programme:
Saturday, 18 May, at 8pm
Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Small Theatre, Chatby, Alexandria
Sunday, 19 May, at 8pm
Cairo Opera House, small hall, Zamalek, Cairo