Alcina

When you attend this performance of Handel’s Alcina, you will experience the intricate layering of a high-baroque masterpiece. The score is famous for its demanding vocal lines, where singers must navigate elaborate ornamentation to express deep emotional shifts. You will hear a series of da capo arias, a structure that allows performers to revisit a melody with new, spontaneous embellishments in the final section. As the evening unfolds, listen for how the orchestra supports the psychological complexity of the characters through contrasting textures, from delicate string passages to more vigorous rhythmic sections. While we are still waiting for specific details regarding the staging and direction of this production, you can expect a shape typical of the period, where solo voices carry the dramatic weight, supported by the rich, historically informed accompaniment of a full pit ensemble. The music moves between moments of stillness and sequences of remarkable technical speed.

Scottish Opera returns to their home stage in Glasgow to present this work. As a national company, they are recognised for producing large-scale opera that balances traditional repertoire with thoughtful new interpretations. The company maintains a reputation for vocal excellence and for providing a platform for both established and rising talent. You will hear their dedicated orchestra, which is well-versed in the specific demands of baroque performance, providing the essential foundation for the singers. Their work is a staple of the UK’s cultural landscape, consistently delivering professional staged productions to audiences across the country.

This performance takes place at the Theatre Royal Glasgow on 11 February 2027. The venue is the longest-running theatre in Scotland and serves as a grand setting for staged opera. As this is a full-scale production of a baroque opera, you should expect a standard multi-act format, though the exact running time and interval arrangements have not yet been confirmed. Handel’s operas are traditionally sung in Italian; we will update you on the use of surtitles and specific language settings closer to the date. There is no formal dress convention, and the venue is suitable for both seasoned opera-goers and newcomers.