Details

Written in 1732, the hero Orlando is torn between his desire to do noble deeds and his pursuit of love. Although rebuked by the sorcerer Zoroastro for giving in to his romantic urges, Orlando nonetheless decides that love can bring its own glory, and to that end he pursues Angelica. But she has fallen for Medoro and he with her - which is not good news for Angelica's rival, the shepherdess Dorinda. The untangling of these conflicting passions through threats, magic, deceit, revelations and no little heart-searching inspired Handel to some of his most original operatic work, and Orlando's psychological focus fused with fantasy lends a particular contemporary appeal. New Production. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Approx. running time 3 hours 30 minutes. Sponsored (2003) by The Friends of Covent Garden.

Cast/Performers

Alice Coote (Orlando), Barbara Bonney (Angelica), Camilla Tilling (Dorinda), Jonathan Lemalu (Zoroastro), Bejun Mehta (Medoro)

Creatives/Company

Music: Handel
Producer: Royal Opera
Corporate Sponsor: The Friends of Covent Garden
Company: Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Director: Francisco Negrin
Design: Anthony Baker
Choreographer: Ana Yepes
Conductor: Harry Bicket