George Frideric Handel's ALCINA

Alcina is a baroque masterpiece by George Frideric Handel. The title character, Alcina, is a malicious sorceress who lives on an enchanted island with her sister Morgana. She uses her magic spells to trick men into falling in love with her. But once she tires of them, she turns them into animals or inanimate objects.

Alcina’s current crush is Ruggiero, a chivalrous knight she has captured. Ruggiero’s fiancé Bradamante and her tutor Melisso arrive to bring Ruggiero home. But Alcina and Morgana have no intention of letting him leave, setting the stage for a climatic showdown. Will Ruggiero regain his senses in time? Will Alcina’s evil spell finally be broken?

All performances will be in the cozy confines of Pittsburgh CAPA Theater, 111 9th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, which is ideally suited for baroque performances.

Antony Walker conducts. Matthew Haney directs.