Alcina at Den Norske Opera & Ballett

Georg Friedrich Händel’s Alcina remained forgotten for over 200 years until, like the composer, it experienced something of a renaissance in the 20th century. Today it is one of Händel’s most popular works and is regularly performed at opera houses all over the world. Alcina is a classic example of a genre that was very popular in the baroque era: the allegorical story that reflected the real world through myths and fables and explored the human condition at its most extreme. The framework story of the sorceress Alcina, who seduces men and changes them into animals, is an exotic tale that allows Händel to explore every aspect of the human character. There is room for love, anxiety, joy, desire, anger and fear, expressed through strong characters and musical heights.

Alcina is receiving its first performance at the Oslo Opera House with musical accompaniment by the Baroque Soloists and directed by Spain’s Francisco Negrin. Negrin has enjoyed great success with his opera productions at Copenhagen’s opera house. The challenging role of Alcina will be sung by Nicole Heaston in her first guest appearance with the Norwegian National Opera.