Discover upcoming dates for Handel's opera Ariodante around the world and book your tickets now!

ARIODANTE, SURELY ONE OF HAENDEL'S MOST BEAUTIFUL OPERAS

Ariodante is an opera in three acts and a ballet by Georg Friedrich Handel, whose libretto is an anonymous adaptation of Antonio Salvi's La Ginevra, Principessa di Scozia.

This powerful, intoxicating work, in which Handel gives free rein to his creative genius, was composed in 1735 to mark the composer's installation at Covent Garden's Royal Theatre. The illustrious performers of the time, castrato Giovanni Carestini and Anna Strada del Pò, have gone down in legend thanks to their grandiose interpretation.

THE STORY

The story is set in Scotland. Ginevra, the king's daughter, and Prince Ariodante are very much in love, and manage to get engaged despite their difference in rank. However, Polinesso, who is also very much in love with Ginevra, arranges for Ariodante to feel betrayed by her. To this end, he persuades Dalinda, servant to the king's daughter, to dress like Ginevra and let him into Ginevra's apartments. Dalinda, seduced by Polinesso's flattery, finally agrees and swears loyalty to Polinesso... [to be continued]

THE MAIN ROLES

• The King of Scotland, Bass
• Ginevra, his daughter, promised in marriage to Ariodante, Soprano
• Ariodante, prince, Mezzo-Soprano
• Lurciarno, his brother, Tenor
• Polinesso, Duke of Albany, Counter-Alto
• Dalinda, Ginevra's servant and secretly in love with Polinesso, Soprano
• Odoardo, King's favorite, Tenor