Hugh Cutting

In this classic myth of unwavering love that celebrates the transcendent power of music, Orpheus descends to the land of shadows to rescue his bride Eurydice. His music charms its gatekeepers, and the gods allow Eurydice to return—on the condition that Orpheus leads her back to the world of the living without gazing upon her face. In this new production, Director Joachim Schamberger envisions the famous couple later in life as Eurydice descends into dementia—a heartbroken Orpheus uses love and the power of music to rescue her from darkness.

This is the very first time that Les Arts Florissants have performed Partenope, in which the composer breaks free from the rules of opera seria. Conducted by William Christie and directed by Sophie Daneman, this new production invites us to rediscover this forgotten masterpiece... but also to meet six exceptional voices: the six laureates of the tenth edition of the Jardin des Voix, the famous academy for young singers of Les Arts Florissants!

Before the opera begins, King Bertarido has been defeated in battle by Grimoaldo, who has usurped his throne. Bertarido has been able to escape and has allowed rumours of his death to circulate in the hopes of rescuing his wife Rodelinda, their young son Flavio and his sister Eduige, who he had to leave behind. Returning in secret he discovers that Grimoaldo, despite being pledged to marry Eduige, is pursuing Rodelinda relentlessly, determined to force her into marriage if she refuses to willingly love him. Handel wrote some of his most beautiful and characterful music for Rodelinda. Hatred and despair, thwarted love and resentment, and a fierce desire for revenge all combine to make a narrative of extraordinary power and potency. For Garsington Opera’s 2025 production, director Ruth Knight collaborated with designer Leslie Travers for this Handel masterpiece which was conducted by baroque specialist Peter Whelan.