Ariodante: Love, Betrayal, and Power at the Scottish Court

Life at the Scottish court could be sweet: Princess Ginevra and Prince Ariodante are in love, and their wedding is soon to be celebrated. But their happiness is short-lived. The cunning Polinesso, driven by lust and ambition, falsely accuses Ginevra of infidelity, shattering her honour and removing his rival. Inspired by an episode from Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso, Georg Friedrich Handel composed Ariodante in 1735 for Covent Garden in London. This opera seria is a masterpiece of the Baroque repertoire, rich in intricate arias and deep emotional resonance, including the famous lament Scherza infida. Renowned Baroque specialist Robert Carsen directs a production that delves into the psychological complexity of the characters and explores themes of power, enhanced by kilts, Celtic dances, and subtle references to the modern British royal family.