World renowned Baroque specialist Nicholas McGegan and his San Francisco-based Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra – Musical America’s Ensemble of the Year in 2004 – debut on Avie with the world premiere recording of The Cecilian Vespers by Alessandro Scarlatti. One of the few authentic Vespers of the early 18th century, the manuscripts of Scarlatti’s Psalm and antiphon settings were discovered in locations all over Europe and reunited with the original plainsong to create the current version - a genuine full-scale baroque Vespers created specifically for a celebration of St. Cecilia's Day in Rome between 1720 and 1721. The 2-disc set also includes Scarlatti’s Nisi Dominus, Salve Regina and Audi, Filia. His remarkably inventive music in these vibrant performances benefits greatly from the Hybrid SACD technology.