Leonardo García Alarcón - La Passione di Gesù, Overo il vangelo di guida

Information

Composer: Leonardo García Alarcón

• La Passione di Gesù, Overo il vangelo di Giuda

Andreas Wolf; Mariana Flores

Ana Quintans; Julie Roset

Mark Milhofer; Victor Sicard

Chœur de Chambre de Namur

Cappella Mediterranea

Leonardo García Alarcón, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Alpha Classics

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Leonardo García-Alarcón’s first major composition, La Passione di Gesù, is an intricate oratorio that celebrates counterpoint and pays homage to composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Judas, the work reimagines the Passion narrative for contemporary audiences, emphasizing the perspectives of the apostle who betrayed Christ and the women surrounding him. Performed with his ensemble Cappella Mediterranea and a dedicated team of soloists, García-Alarcón weaves a labyrinthine musical journey, reminiscent of Jorge Luis Borges, blending diverse languages, styles, and instruments—including the bandoneon. Coded musical instructions within the score create a puzzle-like experience, guiding listeners through this richly layered and innovative work.

Leonardo García Alarcón (b. 1976), an Argentine musician, moved to Europe in 1997 to study at the Geneva Conservatory and soon delved into Baroque music under Gabriel Garrido. He founded Cappella Mediterranea and the Millenium Orchestra, becoming artistic director of the Namur Chamber Choir in 2010. He balances teaching in Geneva with performances across Europe and South America. Alarcón has revived several forgotten operas and earned acclaim for conducting Monteverdi, Cavalli, Rameau, and others. Despite pandemic disruptions in 2020, he adapted with virtual performances. His recordings, including collaborations and rediscovered works, have received widespread critical praise and numerous awards.