Concerto Copenhagen presents music inspired by Queen Kristina
Swedish Queen Kristina founded the Arcadia Academy in Rome in 1656. The members discussed literature, art, science and music, and many composers were part of Kristina's academy. These included A. Scarlatti, Corelli, Stradella and Pasquini - all composers whose music still stands today as some of the most innovative and expressive of the Italian Baroque. For example, Corelli's entire Opus 1, consisting of 12 trio sonatas, is dedicated to Queen Christina.
The story of Swedish Queen Christina, born in 1626 in Stockholm and died in 1689 in Rome, is worthy of a TV series. Her father, King Gustav 2. Adolf, the savior of the Protestants, fell in the 30 Years' War in 1632. Although Kristina was only 6 years old at the time, she was given the title of Queen of Sweden. However, she only became reigning queen from 1644. As regent, she was deeply respected as a skilled politician and recognized for her knowledge in philosophy, art and science. But after just ten years, in 1654 - aged just 28 - she abdicated the throne, left Sweden, rode through Denmark disguised as a man to Germany and the Netherlands before moving on to Innsbruck. Here she converted to Catholicism and eventually ended up in Italy, where she was received as a heroine and carried through the streets of Rome on a golden chair designed by Bernini.
The concert follows Kristina's life journey, from Stockholm via the dramatic journey through Europe to Rome, and along the way we hear some of the amazing music she encountered and inspired.
Listen to a taste of the music here.
Watch the concert trailer here.