György Vashegyi & Concerto Budapest

“On the 2nd and 4th of this month, the famous conductor Mr. Haydn achieved universal success with his oratorio Il ritorno di Tobia (The Return of Tobias), providing further proof of his acclaimed artistry. Expression, nature, and artistry were so seamlessly interwoven in his work from beginning to end that listeners could not help but love the former and marvel at the latter.” So reported a contemporary Viennese newspaper in the spring of 1775 on the premiere of Haydn’s first oratorio, and indeed, the importance and role of this work in the composer’s career and growing fame can hardly be overstated. Yet The Return of Tobias is far less known today than The Creation, The Seasons, or even the choral version of The Seven Last Words of Our Savior on the Cross. And yet, in setting this biblical story – one of faith-filled endurance, trust, and divine healing intervention – Haydn brought forth the very best of his compositional craft. This will be evident in the interpretation by György Vashegyi, a devoted advocate of the work’s revival and promotion, who will be joined by Concerto Budapest, the Purcell Choir, and a host of outstanding vocal soloists in service of this noble undertaking.