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| Arts Calendar / December 12 / Opera |
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Opera in three acts by George Frideric Handel. Libretto by anonymous author after Antonio Salviās libretto inspired by Ludovico Ariosto`s Orlando furioso. Music Director: Gianluca Capuano. Stage Director: David Alden. Sets & Costume Designer: Ian MacNeill. Sung in Italian. The opera was first performed in the Covent Garden Theatre, London, on 8 January 1735. Ariodante opened Handel's first season at Covent Garden and successfully competed against the rival Opera of the Nobility, supported by the Prince of Wales. Handel had the tacit and financial support of the King and Queen and, more vocally, of the Princess Royal. The opera received 11 performances during its premiere season at Covent Garden. Medieval Scotland. Ginevra, daughter of the King, is in love with and betrothed to Prince Ariodante. She rejects the amorous advances of the Duke of Albany, Polinesso, who then cruelly tricks Ariodante and Ginevra's father into believing that Ginevra has been unfaithful. Ariodante attempts suicide and Ginevra is condemned, but after a challenge to a duel by Lurcanio, Ariodante's brother, the dying Polinesso admits his plot and the lovers are reunited. Bolshoi Theater New Stage |
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