Alcina by Händel, Da (2012/2012), Diretto da David Alden, Direttore d'orchestra Harry Bicket, Grand-Théâtre, Bordeaux, Francia

New production - Creation in Bordeaux Dramma per musica in 3 acts HW34. Anonymous libretto, adapted from Antonio Fanzaglia's text for Riccardo Broschi's opera L'Isola di Alcina, itself inspired by Ariosto's Orlando furioso. Created in London, at the Royal Theater Covent Garden, April 16, 1735. Publisher Bärenreiter-Verlag Kassel, Germany With the support of the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux et Spa A major score by Handel, Alcina premiered in London in 1735 for the first season of the prestigious Covent Garden. The opera, which draws its inspiration from Ariosto's famous Orlando furioso , features the witch Alcina and her emotional heartbreaks. From the fantastic atmosphere of the plot, the incandescent character of the characters, the composer draws astounding music: hallucinating vocal virtuosity, art of bel canto pushed to its climax, melodic inspiration.… The title role is played by Elza van den Heever who remains - for his interpretation of the Composer in Ariane à Naxos - one of the most beautiful voices of the last season.