8:00 pm - At the Opera

9:00 pm - At the Opera

10:00 pm - At the Opera

11:00 pm - At the Opera

AT THE OPERA
Premiere anniversaries, Part 3
Prepared and presented by Camille Mercep

Rossi, Lauro. Cleopatra. Melodramma in four acts. Libretto by Marco d’Arienza. First performed Turin, 5 March 1876 (rev. Bernardo Ticci).    

Rossi, Lauro. Cleopatra, Act I    
[26:14]

Rossi, Lauro. Cleopatra, Act II    
[21:42]

Rossi, Lauro. Cleopatra, Act III    
[28:35]

Rossi, Lauro. Cleopatra, Act IV    
[28:39]

    CLEOPATRA: Dimitra Theodossiou, sop
MARC ANTONY: Allessandro Liberatore, ten
DIOMEDES: Sebastian Catana, bar
CAESAR: Paolo Pecchioli, bass
OCTAVIA: Tiziana Carraro, mezz
Marchigiana Ch & PO/ David Crescenzi.Total Time: 1:45:10 
Naxos 8.660291-92 

    Cleopatra has formed a liaison with Marc Antony causing her counsellor, Diomedes, to predict the downfall of Egypt. Antony has returned to Rome and Cleopatra learns that he is to marry Caesar’s sister, Octavia. Speeding to Rome, accompanied by Diomedes, Cleopatra confronts Antony after the wedding. Although he is still enamoured with Cleopatra, he rebuffs her.
Antony returns to Egypt and he and Cleopatra go to battle against Caesar. After losing the battle, Antony blames Cleopatra who now seeks an alliance with Caesar and a rekindling of their former love affair. When the news of Antony’s suicide reaches them, Caesar blames Cleopatra for Antony’s death and for ruining his marriage. He demands that she go to Rome but Cleopatra, knowing that she will be enslaved, calls for an asp and dies from its poison. 



22:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
Prepared by James Nightingale
With Nena Beretin

Bonis, M. Le rêve de Cléopâtre; Ophélie; Salomé (c1909).    Toulouse Capitole NO/Leo Hussain. 
Palazzetto Bru Zane BZ 2006 [16:35]

Eötvös, M. Sonata no 2, A story from the sand dunes (2021).    Alex Raineri, pf. 
ABC ABCL 0093D [29:57]

Brouwer, M. Rhapsody, concerto (2009/21).    ORF Vienna RSO/Marin Alsop. 
Naxos 8.559933 [14:14]

Saariaho, K. Lichtbogen (1985-86).    Members of NEM/Lorraine Villacourt. 
Ummus UMM 102 [14:37]

Wilcox, F. Gouttes d'un sang étranger: Fragments I to IV (2014).    Jason Noble, cl; Daniel Yeadon, va da gamba. 
Move MD 3456 [08:01]

Chin, U. Cello concerto (2009/13).    Alban Gerhardt, vc. 
DG 481 0971 [28:07]

AT THE OPERA Premiere anniversaries, Part 3 Prepared and presented by Camille Mercep
Rossi, Lauro. Cleopatra. Melodramma in four acts. Libretto by Marco d&rsquo;Arienza. First performed Turin, 5 March 1876 (rev. Bernardo Ticci). &nbsp;&nbsp; Rossi, Lauro. Cleopatra, Act I &nbsp;&nbsp; [26:14] Rossi, Lauro. Cleopatra, Act II &nbsp;&nbsp; [21:42] Rossi, Lauro. Cleopatra, Act III &nbsp;&nbsp; [28:35] Rossi, Lauro. Cleopatra, Act IV &nbsp;&nbsp; [28:39] &nbsp;&nbsp; CLEOPATRA: Dimitra Theodossiou, sop MARC ANTONY: Allessandro Liberatore, ten DIOMEDES: Sebastian Catana, bar CAESAR: Paolo Pecchioli, bass OCTAVIA: Tiziana Carraro, mezz Marchigiana Ch &amp; PO/ David Crescenzi.Total Time: 1:45:10 Naxos 8.660291-92 &nbsp;&nbsp; Cleopatra has formed a liaison with Marc Antony causing her counsellor, Diomedes, to predict the downfall of Egypt. Antony has returned to Rome and Cleopatra learns that he is to marry Caesar&rsquo;s sister, Octavia. Speeding to Rome, accompanied by Diomedes, Cleopatra confronts Antony after the wedding. Although he is still enamoured with Cleopatra, he rebuffs her. Antony returns to Egypt and he and Cleopatra go to battle against Caesar. After losing the battle, Antony blames Cleopatra who now seeks an alliance with Caesar and a rekindling of their former love affair. When the news of Antony&rsquo;s suicide reaches them, Caesar blames Cleopatra for Antony&rsquo;s death and for ruining his marriage. He demands that she go to Rome but Cleopatra, knowing that she will be enslaved, calls for an asp and dies from its poison. 
22:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT Prepared by James Nightingale With Nena Beretin
Bonis, M. Le r&ecirc;ve de Cl&eacute;op&acirc;tre; Oph&eacute;lie; Salom&eacute; (c1909). &nbsp;&nbsp; Toulouse Capitole NO/Leo Hussain. Palazzetto Bru Zane BZ 2006 [16:35] E&ouml;tv&ouml;s, M. Sonata no 2, A story from the sand dunes (2021). &nbsp;&nbsp; Alex Raineri, pf. ABC ABCL 0093D [29:57] Brouwer, M. Rhapsody, concerto (2009/21). &nbsp;&nbsp; ORF Vienna RSO/Marin Alsop. Naxos 8.559933 [14:14] Saariaho, K. Lichtbogen (1985-86). &nbsp;&nbsp; Members of NEM/Lorraine Villacourt. Ummus UMM 102 [14:37] Wilcox, F. Gouttes d'un sang &eacute;tranger: Fragments I to IV (2014). &nbsp;&nbsp; Jason Noble, cl; Daniel Yeadon, va da gamba. Move MD 3456 [08:01] Chin, U. Cello concerto (2009/13). &nbsp;&nbsp; Alban Gerhardt, vc. DG 481 0971 [28:07]

A tradition of 40 years and more, At the Opera brings you favourite and lesser-known operas, in full.

A tradition of 40 years and more, At the Opera brings you favourite and lesser-known operas, in full.

At the Opera

At the Opera  4 March 2026

AT THE OPERA
In exotic places, Part 2
Prepared and presented by Camille Mercep

Vivaldi, A. Motezuma. Opera in three acts. Libretto by Luigi Giusti. First performed Venice, 1733.    

Vivaldi, A. Motezuma, Act I    
[01:11:04]

Vivaldi, A. Motezuma, Act II    
[01:03:43]

Vivaldi, A. Motezuma, Act III    
[54:09]

    FERNANDO: Maite Beaumont, mezz
MOTEZUMA: Vito Priante, bar
TEUTILE: Roberta Invernizzi, sop
RAMIRO: Romina Basso, mezz
MITRENA: Marijana Mijanović, cont
ASPRANO: Inga Kalna, sop
Il Complesso Barocco/Alan Curtis.Total Time: 3:14:53 
Archiv 477 5996 

    Following a devastating defeat at the hands of the Spanish conquistador, Fernando Cortes, the Mexican ruler, Motezuma, is resolved to resist the Spanish invaders. To complicate matters his daughter, Teutile, is in love with Ramiro, Fernando’s brother. 
Motezuma’s wife, Mitrena, calls on the gods to protect Mexico against the Spanish tyrant and urges her fellow countrymen to rise up in revolt. The Mexican general, Asprano, reaffirms their willingness to fight. He announces that the oracle of the gods demands that Teutile and a Spaniard be sacrificed in order to restore peace to the country. Fernando Cortes is the Spaniard who must be sacrificed with Teutile. She gives orders for the tower in which Fernando is imprisoned to be set alight. Ramiro and his soldiers free Fernando from the tower and, when Motezuma discovers the door open and that the guards have been killed, he goes into the tower. Ramiro bolts the door behind him and leaves. Asprano sets the building on fire, when to his horror, he sees his emperor high up in the tower. In her despair, Mitrena resolves to take her own life but, suddenly, Motezuma appears, having escaped from the tower by means of a secret passage.
Fernando Cortes is celebrating his victory and tells the Mexicans that they now have a new emperor and new gods. He has won the throne, not for himself but for Spain, and announces his intention of returning to Spain. He will leave his brother, Ramiro, behind as a hostage after Ramiro and Teutile are married, declaring that this is what the oracle has demanded. Motezuma and Mitrena agree to the marriage and the people celebrate the lovers' union.




23:30 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
Prepared and presented by James Nightingale

Angulo, G. Sonata no 2.    Anton Baranov, gui. 
Naxos 8.573306 [11:02]

Ponce, M. Chapultepec (1929/34).    State of Mexico SO/Enrique Bátiz. 
ASV DCA 926 [14:42]

AT THE OPERA In exotic places, Part 2 Prepared and presented by Camille Mercep
Vivaldi, A. Motezuma. Opera in three acts. Libretto by Luigi Giusti. First performed Venice, 1733. &nbsp;&nbsp; Vivaldi, A. Motezuma, Act I &nbsp;&nbsp; [01:11:04] Vivaldi, A. Motezuma, Act II &nbsp;&nbsp; [01:03:43] Vivaldi, A. Motezuma, Act III &nbsp;&nbsp; [54:09] &nbsp;&nbsp; FERNANDO: Maite Beaumont, mezz MOTEZUMA: Vito Priante, bar TEUTILE: Roberta Invernizzi, sop RAMIRO: Romina Basso, mezz MITRENA: Marijana Mijanović, cont ASPRANO: Inga Kalna, sop Il Complesso Barocco/Alan Curtis.Total Time: 3:14:53 Archiv 477 5996 &nbsp;&nbsp; Following a devastating defeat at the hands of the Spanish conquistador, Fernando Cortes, the Mexican ruler, Motezuma, is resolved to resist the Spanish invaders. To complicate matters his daughter, Teutile, is in love with Ramiro, Fernando&rsquo;s brother. Motezuma&rsquo;s wife, Mitrena, calls on the gods to protect Mexico against the Spanish tyrant and urges her fellow countrymen to rise up in revolt. The Mexican general, Asprano, reaffirms their willingness to fight. He announces that the oracle of the gods demands that Teutile and a Spaniard be sacrificed in order to restore peace to the country. Fernando Cortes is the Spaniard who must be sacrificed with Teutile. She gives orders for the tower in which Fernando is imprisoned to be set alight. Ramiro and his soldiers free Fernando from the tower and, when Motezuma discovers the door open and that the guards have been killed, he goes into the tower. Ramiro bolts the door behind him and leaves. Asprano sets the building on fire, when to his horror, he sees his emperor high up in the tower. In her despair, Mitrena resolves to take her own life but, suddenly, Motezuma appears, having escaped from the tower by means of a secret passage. Fernando Cortes is celebrating his victory and tells the Mexicans that they now have a new emperor and new gods. He has won the throne, not for himself but for Spain, and announces his intention of returning to Spain. He will leave his brother, Ramiro, behind as a hostage after Ramiro and Teutile are married, declaring that this is what the oracle has demanded. Motezuma and Mitrena agree to the marriage and the people celebrate the lovers' union. 
23:30 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT Prepared and presented by James Nightingale
Angulo, G. Sonata no 2. &nbsp;&nbsp; Anton Baranov, gui. Naxos 8.573306 [11:02] Ponce, M. Chapultepec (1929/34). &nbsp;&nbsp; State of Mexico SO/Enrique B&aacute;tiz. ASV DCA 926 [14:42]

At the Opera  25 February 2026

 AT THE OPERA
Love triumphs, Part 2
Prepared and presented by Ian MacDonald

Rossini, G. The barber of Seville. Opera in two acts. Libretto by Cesare Sterbini, after Beaumarchais' Le Barbier de Séville. First performed Rome, 1816.    

Rossini, G. The barber of Seville, Act I    
[01:32:17]

Rossini, G. The barber of Seville, Act II    
[46:02]

    COUNT ALMAVIVA: Luigi Alva, ten
ROSINA: Teresa Berganza, mezz
DOCTOR BARTOLO: Enzo Dara, bar
FIGARO: Hermann Prey, bar
Ambrosian Opera Ch; London SO/Claudio Abbado.Total Time: 2:18:19 
DG 415 695-2 

    Count Almaviva, disguised as a servant Lindoro, serenades his love Rosina, the ward of Dr Bartolo, who plans to marry her for her dowry. His barber, Figaro, suggests that he get into Bartolo’s house by disguising himself as a soldier. He fails in this attempt but returns as assistant to Basilio, the singing-master. He shows Bartolo a letter supposedly to Almaviva from a mistress, which Bartolo thinks will inflame Rosina’s jealousy. She is upset but Almaviva reveals his true identity and his constancy and, with Figaro’s help, they elope before Bartolo discovers that he has been tricked. 

Rossini, G. Introduction; Aria; Duet, from Stabat Mater (1842).    Helen Field, sop; Della Jones, mezz; Arthur Davies, ten; Roderick Earl, bass; London Symphony Ch; City of Londond Sinfonia/Richard Hickox. 
Chandos CHAN 8780 [21:10]

Rossini, G. Comic duet for two cats (1816).    Elisabeth Söderström, sop; Kerstin Meyer, mezz; Jan Eyron, pf. 
BIS CD-17 [03:42]

Rossini, G. La regata Veneziana (c.1850)    Rossini, G. 
BIS CD-17 [04:19]



23:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
Staying in Seville
Prepared and presented by Dan Bickel

Albéniz, I. Sevilla, from Suite española, op 47 (1886; arr. Barrueco).    Andrew Blanch, gui. 
www.andrewblanch.com AB 2015 [05:43]

Turina, J. Women of Seville, op 89 (1935).    Jordi Masó, pf. 
Naxos 8.557684 [12:56]

Turina, J. Canto a Sevilla, op 37 (1927).    Maria Espanada, sop; BBC PO/Juanjo Mena. 
Chandos CHAN 10819 [37:19]

AT THE OPERA Love triumphs, Part 2 Prepared and presented by Ian MacDonald
Rossini, G. The barber of Seville. Opera in two acts. Libretto by Cesare Sterbini, after Beaumarchais' Le Barbier de S&eacute;ville. First performed Rome, 1816. &nbsp;&nbsp; Rossini, G. The barber of Seville, Act I &nbsp;&nbsp; [01:32:17] Rossini, G. The barber of Seville, Act II &nbsp;&nbsp; [46:02] &nbsp;&nbsp; COUNT ALMAVIVA: Luigi Alva, ten ROSINA: Teresa Berganza, mezz DOCTOR BARTOLO: Enzo Dara, bar FIGARO: Hermann Prey, bar Ambrosian Opera Ch; London SO/Claudio Abbado.Total Time: 2:18:19 DG 415 695-2 &nbsp;&nbsp; Count Almaviva, disguised as a servant Lindoro, serenades his love Rosina, the ward of Dr Bartolo, who plans to marry her for her dowry. His barber, Figaro, suggests that he get into Bartolo&rsquo;s house by disguising himself as a soldier. He fails in this attempt but returns as assistant to Basilio, the singing-master. He shows Bartolo a letter supposedly to Almaviva from a mistress, which Bartolo thinks will inflame Rosina&rsquo;s jealousy. She is upset but Almaviva reveals his true identity and his constancy and, with Figaro&rsquo;s help, they elope before Bartolo discovers that he has been tricked. Rossini, G. Introduction; Aria; Duet, from Stabat Mater (1842). &nbsp;&nbsp; Helen Field, sop; Della Jones, mezz; Arthur Davies, ten; Roderick Earl, bass; London Symphony Ch; City of Londond Sinfonia/Richard Hickox. Chandos CHAN 8780 [21:10] Rossini, G. Comic duet for two cats (1816). &nbsp;&nbsp; Elisabeth S&ouml;derstr&ouml;m, sop; Kerstin Meyer, mezz; Jan Eyron, pf. BIS CD-17 [03:42] Rossini, G. La regata Veneziana (c.1850) &nbsp;&nbsp; Rossini, G. BIS CD-17 [04:19] 
23:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT Staying in Seville Prepared and presented by Dan Bickel
Alb&eacute;niz, I. Sevilla, from Suite espa&ntilde;ola, op 47 (1886; arr. Barrueco). &nbsp;&nbsp; Andrew Blanch, gui. www.andrewblanch.com AB 2015 [05:43] Turina, J. Women of Seville, op 89 (1935). &nbsp;&nbsp; Jordi Mas&oacute;, pf. Naxos 8.557684 [12:56] Turina, J. Canto a Sevilla, op 37 (1927). &nbsp;&nbsp; Maria Espanada, sop; BBC PO/Juanjo Mena. Chandos CHAN 10819 [37:19]

At the Opera  18 February 2026

 AT THE OPERA
Myths, legends and fantasy, Part 2
Prepared by Elaine Siversen
With Jules Laurent

Handel, G. Alcina, HWV34. Opera in three acts. Anonymous libretto after Ludovico Ariosto’s epic poem Orlando Furioso used by Riccardo Broschi for his 1728 opera L’isola di Alcina. First performed London, 1735.    

Handel, G. Alcina, Overture & Act I    
[49:43]

Handel, G. Alcina, Act II    
[59:33]

Handel, G. Alcina, Act III    
[42:40]

    BRADAMANTE: Norma Procter, cont
MELISSO: Thomas Hemsley, bar
ALCINA: Joan Sutherland, sop
RUGGIERO: Fritz Wunderlich, ten
MORGANA: Jeannette van Dijck, sop
ORONTE: Nicola Monti, ten
Cologne Radio Choir; Cappella Coloniensis/Ferdinand Leitner.Total Time: 2:31:56 
DG 477 8017 

    Bradamante, disguised as her brother, Ricciardo, with her tutor, Melisso, have been shipwrecked and cast ashore on Alcina’s enchanted island. Bradamante is searching for her betrothed, Ruggiero. They meet Morgana, Alcina's sister, who falls in love with the disguised Bradamante. She takes them to Alcina where Ruggiero is present. Later Bradamante confronts him. He recognises her as Ricciardo but denies any interest in Ricciardo's sister because he is the faithful lover of Alcina.
Oronte, Alcina's commander-in-chief, who loves Morgana, is jealous of ‘Ricciardo’ and decides to make Ruggiero jealous too. He concocts a tale that Alcina now loves ‘Ricciardo’ and will no doubt soon add Ruggiero to her collection of discarded lovers now transformes into monsters. Alcina assures Ruggiero that her feelings are unchanged.
Melisso, disguised as Ruggiero's tutor, Atlante, gives him a magic ring which brings him to his senses. Ruggiero wishes to send a message of defiance to Alcina, but Melisso advises him to pretend that he still loves her and to make his escape. When Alcina is told that Ruggiero is planning to flee, she begins to make spells to bind Ruggiero to her but cannot overcome her feelings for him.
Other travellers have been shipwrecked and have been changed into wild beasts, trees or stones by Alcina. Melisso tells Bradamante that the island is surrrounded by Alcina's enchanted monsters and advises Ruggiero to take the Gorgonian shield and the winged horse to help him conquer them. Alcina’s forces are defeated and Ruggiero smashes the urn that holds Alcina's secret power. All her spells are broken and the rocks, trees and beasts resume their human shapes. They rejoice at their liberty and all celebrate the triumph of love. 

Handel, G. Da tempeste il legno infranto, from Giulio Cesare, HWV17 (1724).    Joan Sutherland, sop; Hubert Dawkes, hpd; New SO of London/Richard Bonynge. 
Decca 482 4759 [05:23]

Handel, G. Let the bright seraphim, from Samson, HWV57 (1743).    Joan Sutherland, sop; Harry Dilley, tpt; Royal Opera House O, Covent Garden/Francesco Molinari Pradelli. 
Decca 482 4759 [05:52]



23:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
More Handel ...
Prepared and presented by Dan Bickel

Handel, G. Love in Bath (arr. Beecham).    Royal PO/Thomas Beecham. 
EMI CDM 7 63374 2 [47:32]

Handel, G. Oboe concerto in G minor (1705).    Bart Schneeman, ob; Musica Amphion/Pieter-Jan Belder. 
Channel Classics CCS SA 29209 [08:36]

AT THE OPERA Myths, legends and fantasy, Part 2 Prepared by Elaine Siversen With Jules Laurent
Handel, G. Alcina, HWV34. Opera in three acts. Anonymous libretto after Ludovico Ariosto&rsquo;s epic poem Orlando Furioso used by Riccardo Broschi for his 1728 opera L&rsquo;isola di Alcina. First performed London, 1735. &nbsp;&nbsp; Handel, G. Alcina, Overture &amp; Act I &nbsp;&nbsp; [49:43] Handel, G. Alcina, Act II &nbsp;&nbsp; [59:33] Handel, G. Alcina, Act III &nbsp;&nbsp; [42:40] &nbsp;&nbsp; BRADAMANTE: Norma Procter, cont MELISSO: Thomas Hemsley, bar ALCINA: Joan Sutherland, sop RUGGIERO: Fritz Wunderlich, ten MORGANA: Jeannette van Dijck, sop ORONTE: Nicola Monti, ten Cologne Radio Choir; Cappella Coloniensis/Ferdinand Leitner.Total Time: 2:31:56 DG 477 8017 &nbsp;&nbsp; Bradamante, disguised as her brother, Ricciardo, with her tutor, Melisso, have been shipwrecked and cast ashore on Alcina&rsquo;s enchanted island. Bradamante is searching for her betrothed, Ruggiero. They meet Morgana, Alcina's sister, who falls in love with the disguised Bradamante. She takes them to Alcina where Ruggiero is present. Later Bradamante confronts him. He recognises her as Ricciardo but denies any interest in Ricciardo's sister because he is the faithful lover of Alcina. Oronte, Alcina's commander-in-chief, who loves Morgana, is jealous of &lsquo;Ricciardo&rsquo; and decides to make Ruggiero jealous too. He concocts a tale that Alcina now loves &lsquo;Ricciardo&rsquo; and will no doubt soon add Ruggiero to her collection of discarded lovers now transformes into monsters. Alcina assures Ruggiero that her feelings are unchanged. Melisso, disguised as Ruggiero's tutor, Atlante, gives him a magic ring which brings him to his senses. Ruggiero wishes to send a message of defiance to Alcina, but Melisso advises him to pretend that he still loves her and to make his escape. When Alcina is told that Ruggiero is planning to flee, she begins to make spells to bind Ruggiero to her but cannot overcome her feelings for him. Other travellers have been shipwrecked and have been changed into wild beasts, trees or stones by Alcina. Melisso tells Bradamante that the island is surrrounded by Alcina's enchanted monsters and advises Ruggiero to take the Gorgonian shield and the winged horse to help him conquer them. Alcina&rsquo;s forces are defeated and Ruggiero smashes the urn that holds Alcina's secret power. All her spells are broken and the rocks, trees and beasts resume their human shapes. They rejoice at their liberty and all celebrate the triumph of love. Handel, G. Da tempeste il legno infranto, from Giulio Cesare, HWV17 (1724). &nbsp;&nbsp; Joan Sutherland, sop; Hubert Dawkes, hpd; New SO of London/Richard Bonynge. Decca 482 4759 [05:23] Handel, G. Let the bright seraphim, from Samson, HWV57 (1743). &nbsp;&nbsp; Joan Sutherland, sop; Harry Dilley, tpt; Royal Opera House O, Covent Garden/Francesco Molinari Pradelli. Decca 482 4759 [05:52] 
23:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT More Handel ... Prepared and presented by Dan Bickel
Handel, G. Love in Bath (arr. Beecham). &nbsp;&nbsp; Royal PO/Thomas Beecham. EMI CDM 7 63374 2 [47:32] Handel, G. Oboe concerto in G minor (1705). &nbsp;&nbsp; Bart Schneeman, ob; Musica Amphion/Pieter-Jan Belder. Channel Classics CCS SA 29209 [08:36]

At the Opera 4 March 2026

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