The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra performed its 2025 season opener at the Melbourne Recital Centre, beginning with the overture from Handel’s Alcina, performed with customary Brandenburg skill and cohesion and conducted with his usual panache by artistic director Paul Dyer. His is a warm and sartorially splendid presence at the emerald green harpsichord in a matching velvet jacket, at times minimalist in his direction, at times almost dancing.

The ABO is a tight outfit. Small in number, it punches above its weight in terms of talent and ability. There is an air of familiarity and ease within its ranks: its brand is baroque with a sense of humour. Regular attendees know they can sit back, relax and enjoy the show. And what a show this was.

Venezuelan male soprano Samuel Mariño, returning for his second season with the ABO, refers to the orchestra members as his ‘family’. He cut an elegant figure as he walked on to the stage wearing a double-breasted matador suit and a smile as warm as his reception. His other-worldly voice performing the aria from Act II Scene VI of Rodelinda (‘Ritorna oh caro e dolce mio tesoro’) cast a spell that was broken only by thunderous applause...