Rita D'Arcangelo
On the international flute scene, Rita D'Arcangelo is celebrated not only for her impressive virtuosity, but especially for her unmistakably floating tone and her multi-faceted timbres.
She studied with distinction in Pescara, Manchester, Milan and Mannheim and was sponsored by Sir James Galway - he attested to her “beautiful tone and remarkable technique”.
Her debut at the world-famous Carnegie Hall (2011) marked the beginning of an international solo career with performances in Japan, Europe and the USA as well as CD awards such as the Award of Excellence from the Global Music Awards.
She is also a sought-after flute professor, teaches at the BTU Cottbus University of Applied Sciences and the Akademie für Musik Berlin, among others, and regularly gives masterclasses on several continents.
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Jakub Kościuszko
Kościuszko is regarded as a technically brilliant and sensitive exception on the guitar scene.
He has performed in renowned concert halls such as the Berlin Philharmonie, the Lutosławski Foyer in Warsaw and the Yamaha Ginza Hall in Tokyo, and has worked with philharmonic orchestras in Poland.
His debut album was highly acclaimed by critics in Europe and the USA.
Stylistically, he moves confidently between baroque, contemporary jazz and world music repertoire and demonstrated his jazz and world music-inspired versatility on his third solo album (Guitar sounds jazzy).
Nov. 06, 2025 - 7:30pm
(doors open 6:45pm)
Rita D'Arcangelo (flute)
Jakub Kościuszko (guitar)
program:
Johann Sebastian Bach: Sonata for flute E-major BWV 1035
This late sonata (c. 1741) was probably written for Michael Gabriel Fredersdorf, chamber servant to Frederick the Great and an amateur flautist. It leads us into the musical world of the Prussian court, where the flute – played by the king himself – enjoyed special prominence. The work places the flute firmly in the spotlight, with the accompaniment stepping back, a fine example of the instrument’s concertante brilliance in the Baroque era.
Mauro Giuliani: Grand Duo Concertante op.85
With Giuliani the balance shifts: here the guitar steps out of its accompanying role to become a true partner to the flute. Brilliant exchanges and sparkling virtuosity make this duo a vivid example of early Romantic chamber music – in striking contrast to Bach’s sonata.
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Niccolò Paganini: Cantabile in E major
This lyrical piece for violin (heard here with flute) and guitar reveals the cantabile, songlike side of the famous virtuoso. Floating melodies and a touch of Italian opera lend the work its special elegance.
Gabriel Fauré: Pavane
Originally composed for orchestra and choir, the Pavane retains its unmistakable charm even in chamber form. A touch of French elegance, poised between melancholy and dance-like grace.
Astor Piazzolla: Histoire du Tango
Piazzolla’s History of the Tango traces the dance’s evolution in four movements – from the rough bars of 1900 Buenos Aires to the concert halls of the 20th century. Blending melancholy with rhythmic fire and jazz-infused harmonies, it forms the passionate finale of the program.