Conductor Andrew Parrott will accompany the musicians as they prepare for the concert and will conduct via zoom from his home in Oxford.
Thursday saw the debut of a new project by composer Tom Cohen, featuring guests Dudu Tassa and pianist Omri Mor, which blends the works of Beethoven with classical Andalusian music.
Rousset says he is delighted to perform in the festival curtain-raiser, and to present works by two of the Baroque era’s most notable exponents.
A source close to the orchestra said the company received a call three hours before the festival began, leaving no time to prepare or inform people of an alternative.
The three-day event is the brainchild of David Shemer, musical director of the Jerusalem Baroque Orchestra.
Handel’s ‘Esther’ oratorio will be at the center of the Vocal Fantasy Festival
This ambitious undertaking of the JBO’s Season Opening concert makes one hope that it will maintain this high level of performance throughout the season.