Alcina

Israeli Baroque Collective

Libretto: after Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto

Sung in Italian

English and Hebrew Subtitles
Translation: Israel Ouval

A new production

We thank Sano - Diti and Alex Landesberg family for supporting the production of “Alcina”

with the support of factory 54

Act I

Ruggiero, a wandering knight, finds himself in the realm of two sisters sorceresses, Alcina and Morgana. Alcina puts a spell on Ruggiero that makes him fall in love with her. He is not aware that her entire kingdom is full with past lovers that Alcina turned into wild beasts, trees and rocks after tiring with them. Two additional knights arrive. One is Melisso, Ruggiero’s friend. The other knight is Bradamante, a lady dressed like a man who is actually Ruggiero’s betrothed who embarked on a journey to search for and save him. They meet Ruggiero and discover a totally new man. Under Alcina’s spell, Ruggiero forgot his betrothed and claims that he is in love only with Alcina. Bradamante has no choice but to use trickery. In her male disguise she seduces Morgana, Alcina’s sister, she comes between Morgana and her lover and also courts Alcina. Oronte, Morgana’s rejected lover, warns Ruggiero from the treacherous women. Ruggiero is suspicious and jealous yet Alcina manages to persuade him that hers is indeed true love. For his sake she is willing to put a spell on “the visitor”, Bradamante in disguise and put away the threat. The other guest, Melisso, manages to take away Ruggiero’s spell. Bradamante confronts Ruggiero and reveals her true identity to him, but he is confused and fears that all he sees is an illusion or a lie.

Act II

Trying to control the upheaval, Alcina is about to turn Bradamante into a wild beast. Morgana, who is love, persuades her sister to forgive “the visitor”. Ruggiero, released from Alcina’s spell, reunites with Bradamante. Hearing about his betrayal, Alcina’s heart is broken. She tries to use the powers of darkness with no avail. Morgana is shocked by the fact that another woman has betrayed her. She returns to her lover begging his forgiveness. Ruggiero, Bradamante and Melisso try to escape. They face Alcina for a final battle in order to withdraw all her magic powers and save the pervious victims whom she imprisoned. Her kingdom destroyed, Alcina remains alone and desperate.

Back Stage Secrets at the Opera
Many Opportunities to Widen your Opera Experience

Do you want to know more about the opera you are about to attend? Do you want to find out some back stage secrets? Do you want to meet the artists after the performance? The Israeli Opera enables you to widen your opera experience with a variety of pre performance and post-performance events. 

Towards Opening
On Saturday morning before the premiere, the creators of the production and several of the soloists gather to discuss the opera, the production, their own career and today’s opera world. This is a unique opportunity to learn as much as possible about the production and meet the director, conductor, designers and some of the participating soloists. Musical excerpts from the opera illustrate the discussion. Towards Opening takes place before some of each season’s productions.

Pre Performance Lecture
One hour before each opera performance there is a 30-minute introductory lecture in the auditorium (in Hebrew). Opera staffers present the opera and the production and enable the audience to get some extra information a short time before attending the performances. Admission is free for ticket holders. 

Pre Performance Back Stage Tours
What happens backstage before the audience even thinks of getting dressed for the performance? What do the singers do? The conductor? The Technical teams? How does everyone prepare for the performance? A unique opportunity to taste a little bit of the back stage excitement before the curtain ascends/ A concerted half hour tour in places that are not usually open to the general public. Tours begin 90 minute before the performance begins and last 30 minutes. Tickets are 25NIS and can be booked in advance (tickets for each tour are limited). Tours take place on several evenings in each production. Details can be found at the Israeli opera’s website. Tours from groups both in Hebrew and in English can be booked in advance ( sarah@israelopera.org.il )

Opera Talkback
The curtain has just descended on the final scene of the opera. The hour is late. Nut the experience was riveting. This is the time to meet several of the performers. Come to listen and to speak. Ask questions. Meet the artists. A once in a lifetime opportunity to meet the artists who have just excited you on the stage. Opera Talkbacks takes place on the second level of the Opera House foyer and last around 30 minutes. Admission free. Opera Talkback takes place on several evenings in each production. Details can be found at the Israeli opera’s website.