Act I
In the castle of the King of Scotland, Princess Ginevra regales her
friend Dalinda with stories of her love for Ariodante. The arrival
of Polinesso, Duke of Albany, irritates the princess, who rejects
his amorous proposals. Although Dalinda confirms to him the future
matrimony between Ginevra and Ariodante, the Duke ignores the young
woman's tender eyes, focusing instead on a ruse that will serve his
lustful desires.
In the palace garden, Ginevra and Ariodante sing of their love for
one another. The King surprises them and expresses his delight with
their union, calling for an early celebration of the wedding.
Polinesso urges Dalinda to disguise herself as Ginevra in order to
bring him into the princess's room. Dalinda, smitten with love for
the Duke, agrees to take part in his plan. Meanwhile, Ariodante’s
brother Lurcanio tries in vain to woo Dalinda, but she does not
respond to his romantic advances and only thinks of Polinesso.
In a charming valley, Ginevra and Ariodante come together, the
incarnation of happiness.
Act II
In front of the door that leads to Ginevra's chambers, Polinesso
puts his plan into action. When Ariodante arrives, the Duke claims
to be the object of the princess's attentions. When Ariodante draws
his sword in anger, Dalinda appears disguised as Ginevra and
confirms Polinesso's claim. Ariodante then attempts to commit
suicide, but Lurcanio prevents it. While Polinesso enjoys his
triumph, Dalinda becomes convinced that she has won the Duke’s
love.
In a gallery somewhere in the palace, a message arrives that
Ariodante has died, drowned in the sea. Ginevra faints upon hearing
this news. Lurcanio appears, asking for revenge for the death of
his brother and blaming the princess for her betrayal in an
accusatory letter. The maiden, repudiated by her father, falls into
despair.
Act III
A forest. In disguise, Ariodante saves Dalinda from being killed by
two assailants. The young woman recognizes him and, having been
betrayed by the Duke, she confesses Polinesso's deceit to
Ariodante. He then departs in search of revenge while Dalinda begs
the heavens for the Duke of Albany's death.
The Palace garden. Sentenced to death, Ginevra implores the King
for forgiveness. Polinesso offers to defend her in a tournament for
her honor, but she rejects him. Lurcanio appears and confronts the
Duke, killing him. Just as the elderly King accepts a new challenge
from Lurcanio, a knight with his helmet lowered prevents him from
doing so by stating that innocence needs no defenders. The mystery
knight then uncovers his face and everyone is stunned to see that
it is Ariodante, who confirms Polinesso's deceit and Ginevra's
innocence. The young man marches off to free the princess, while
Lurcanio tries once more to approach Dalinda.
In her prison, Ginevra mourns her misfortune. The arrival of the
King and Ariodante free her from her sentence. Finally, Lucarnio
and Dalinda, along with Ariodante and Ginevra, confirm their love
while the choir ends the opera with a song of praise to the triumph
of virtue.
ARIODANTE
Georg Friedrich Händel
March 1st to 6th 2022
Sala Principal
Approx. running time: 3h40 with 2 breaks
ARIODANTE
Georg Friedrich Händel
March 2022 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Tuesday | 19:00 | |
| 04 | Friday | 19:00 | |
| 06 | Sunday | 18:00 | |
Creative Team
Conductor
Andrea Marcon
Stage director
Richard Jones
Set designer and costume designer
Ultz
Lighting designer
Mimi Jordan Sherin
Choreography
Lucy Burge
Puppet stage direction
Finn Caldwell
Puppet design
Nick Barnes, Finn Caldwell
Cast
Il Re di Scozia
Luca Tittoto
Ariodante
Ekaterina Vorontsova
Ginevra
Jane Archibald
Lurcanio
David Portillo
Polinesso
Christophe Dumaux
Dalinda
Jacquelyn Stucker
Odoardo
Jorge Franco
Cor de la Generalitat Valenciana
Director Francesc Perales
Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana
Production of Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, en co-production whit the Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Canadian Opera Company and Lyric Opera of Chicago
