La Stravaganza: Violin Concerto No. 10 – The Baroque Virtuoso Project

La Stravaganza: Violin Concerto No. 10 is a contemporary classical music project dedicated to the innovative performance and recording of Baroque masterpieces. Based in London, the ensemble achieved notable success with their debut album, which charted on the UK Classical Artist Albums list and received widespread critical acclaim for its fresh interpretation of Vivaldi's work.

Early career

The project was formally launched in 2018 by violinist and artistic director Elara Vance, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music. Focusing initially on the concertos of Antonio Vivaldi, the ensemble's early work involved intensive period instrument research and a series of intimate live performances across the UK. Their first independent digital release, a single of Vivaldi's "Concerto No. 1 in B-flat major, RV 383a," garnered attention from early music blogs and led to a signing with the boutique label Arcane Classics in late 2019.

Breakthrough

The breakthrough for La Stravaganza: Violin Concerto No. 10 came in 2021 with the release of their debut album, Vivaldi: La Stravaganza – The Complete Concertos. Released on Arcane Classics, the double-album entered the Official UK Classical Artist Albums Chart at number 12 and remained in the top 20 for seven consecutive weeks. The recording was praised for its energetic tempos and crisp articulation, leading to a surge in streaming numbers and a sold-out tour of European chamber music halls.

Key tracks

Violin Concerto in B minor, RV 383 'La Stravaganza No. 10' — This signature concerto showcases the project's dynamic precision and became their most-streamed individual work.

Violin Concerto in E minor, RV 279 — Featured in a popular historical drama series soundtrack, this track significantly expanded their audience.

Violin Concerto in D major, RV 204 — Noted for its daring cadenzas, this performance is frequently highlighted in critical reviews of the album.

Violin Concerto in F major, RV 284 — This lively interpretation is a staple of their live set and a fan favorite for its rhythmic drive.

Following the success of their Vivaldi cycle, the ensemble expanded its repertoire to include works by Tartini and Locatelli. Their 2023 sophomore album, Il Virtuoso: Concertos of the Italian Baroque, debuted at number 8 on the classical charts and involved a collaboration with renowned cellist Sebastian Croft for a recording of Geminiani's sonatas. The project continues to perform at major festivals like the BBC Proms and the Utrecht Early Music Festival, maintaining a rigorous recording schedule.

Listeners who enjoy the vibrant Baroque interpretations of La Stravaganza: Violin Concerto No. 10 often appreciate the work of similar UK-based ensembles. Academy of Ancient Music shares a scholarly yet passionate approach to period performance. Rachel Podger is another leading violinist known for her solo Baroque recordings. The English Concert offers a similarly energetic and historically informed sound. Florilegium delivers precise and engaging chamber performances from the same era.

The music of La Stravaganza: Violin Concerto No. 10 is a regular feature on the playlists of dedicated classical music radio stations. Their recordings are frequently aired on public radio classical networks, online Baroque specialty streams, and independent arts-focused radio stations, introducing their work to new audiences daily.

You can hear the dynamic Baroque music of La Stravaganza: Violin Concerto No. 10 on the classical radio stations featured on our website. Explore the stations available on onairium.com to discover this artist's recordings and other great works within the genre.