A student of Gustav Leonhardt, Kenneth Weiss has concocted a new programme to honor his favourite composer, J. S. Bach. Rather than present yet again one of the great Bach cycles he plays the world over (Well-Tempered Clavier, Goldberg Variations), he has chosen to present Bach with his two most illustrious contemporaries, Handel and Scarlatti. All three were indeed born in 1685, no doubt the most à coup sûr l’année la plus fecund year in the history of music. Domenico Scarlatti symbolises the splender of the harpsichord at its apogee. Handel was most admired for this operas and oratorios, but his first book of suites published in 1720 is worthy of his greatest vocal compositions. In 1708 a now famous keyboard competition confronted Scarlatti and Handel, but their audience was unable to name a winner! And what will Kenneth Weiss's programme reveal ? Both Handel and Scarlatti may well see themslves leaving Bach to have last word ! 'Voûtes célestes en Sud Vendée' Festival.