In 1735, Handel inaugurates his first season at Covent Garden in London with two of his greatest operas: Ariodante politely received on 8 January and Alcina who triumphs on 16 April. Certainly stimulated by its installation in a new theater, The composer was also galvanized by the rivalry that opposed the Nobility Academy, a company backed by hostile aristocratic circle to King George, the patron of Handel.
The character of Alcina, evil enchantress overcome by love, is perhaps the most searched female portrait of the entire Handelian production. Face it, the hero Ruggiero is given a music equally magnificent, especially the impalpable melodic lines of "Mi lusingha" and "Verdi prati". With a cast led by exceptional torque - Sonya Yoncheva in Alcina and Ruggiero in Philippe Jaroussky - Ottavio Dantone and Accademia Bizantina will be in charge of distilling multiple colors and climates of the masterpiece by Handel.
Cast and Creative team for Alcina at Opéra de Monte-Carlo