Orlando was the second opera presented by CHO whose libretto was derived ultimately from Ariosto’s epic poem Orlando furioso. It must rank on many opera-lovers’ lists of Handel’s six greatest operas.
We assembled an outstanding cast that included three friends from previous productions: Catherine Griffiths took the title role (her fourth appearance with CHO), Kay Jordan sang Angelica (her fifth CHO role), and Christine Botes sang Medoro (her fourth CHO role). Angharad Gruffydd Jones was enchanting as Dorinda (surely the nicest character in any Handel opera), and Richard Strivens was magnificent as the magician Zoroastro.
Although the technical demands were less severe than in our two previous operas, they did include a transformation scene and a flying eagle.
Andrew Jones (Music Director)
