Georg Friedrich Händel: Teseo

Formally, Teseo is Handel's most French opera, as it is the only one of his dramatic stage works to consist of five rather than three acts, similar to a French tragédie lyrique. The text may be Italian, but its content is strongly based on Quinault's libretto, which was set to music by Jean-Baptiste Lully in 1675 under the title Thesée. The plot focuses on the hero Theseus' happiness in love, which he must defend against the jealous sorceress Medea, one of the most enigmatic figures in cultural history, whose character is given sharp contours by Handel's multi-layered music.

Since its premiere in 1713, the opera has enjoyed great popularity, which is not only due to Handel's talent, but also to the lavish set. Above all, however, it is the music that magically brings Medea's conjuring spirits and fire spells to life, especially in a concert performance where the imagination takes over.

The musical direction for this performance is in the hands of Jarosław Thiel, while the soloists will be Dennis Orellana (Teseo), Suzanne Jerosme (Agilea), Fanny Lustaud (Medea), Sonja Runje (Egeo), Johanna Rosa Falkinger (Clizia), Franko Klisović (Arcane) and Michał Pytlewski (Sacerdos di Minerva), accompanied by the Wrocław Baroque Orchestra.