Baroque Passion and Heavenly Vocal Artistry

With his extraordinary voice, countertenor Valer Sabadus enchanted audiences at Villa Hügel in Essen. Performing with the Folkwang Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Jascha von der Goltz in a concert entitled “Voices of Heaven and Fiery Strings,” he captivated listeners with a remarkable blend of technical virtuosity, vocal warmth and emotional depth. In Handel’s “Lascia ch’io pianga,” he moved the audience with its heartfelt simplicity, while “Svegliatevi nel core” and Vivaldi’s virtuosic aria “Armatae, face et anguibus” showcased his dramatic power and dazzling coloratura technique.

"He delivers the understated “Lascia ch’io pianga” in a wonderfully pure, warm head voice. Yet, thanks to his powerful chest resonance, he was also able to build the music into an intensely dramatic scene, as in Handel’s aria “Svegliatevi nel core.”"

Sabadus also impressed with the expressive simplicity of Gluck’s famous “Che farò senza Euridice.” The Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung (WAZ) praised his “soaring vocal flights” and highlighted the extraordinary expressive range of the evening. The Folkwang Chamber Orchestra delighted audiences with its infectious energy and rich, nuanced sound, bringing the vitality of Baroque music vividly to life.

At the end of the concert, the audience celebrated the performers with standing ovations and enthusiastic applause—even stamping their feet. It was an evening that demonstrated just how immediate, exciting and captivating Baroque music can be.

"Countertenor Valer Sabadus enchanted the audience with his vocal flights."

(Klaus, Albrecht, WAZ, 11.10.2026)