Opera on 3 - Partenope

Christian Curnyn makes his debut at the Coliseum, conducting a new ENO production of Handel's comic opera, updated by Christopher Alden to the time of the surrealists and starring Rosemary Joshua, Patricia Bardeon and Christian Rice. Queen Partenope of Naples has four suitors: one, Eurimene, is actually Rosmira disguised as a man and trying to regain the affections of her ex, Arsace, now another Partenope suitor. Another, Emilio, ends up declaring war when she refuses to marry him. After many twists and turns, she ends up with a fourth claimant to her affections, while the ex-lovers are reunited. Presented by Suzy Klein. The broadcast includes interviews with the director and cast, plus insights from Handel expert Dr Donald Burrows. Emilio ...... John Mark Ainsley (tenor) Partenope ...... Rosemary Joshua (soprano) Arsace ...... Christine Rice (mezzo-soprano) Armindo ...... Iestyn Davies (countertenor) Rosmira (Eurimene) ...... Patricia Bardon (mezzo-soprano) Ormonte ...... James Gower (bass-baritone) Nicholas Ansdell-Evans, Joseph McHardy (harpsichords) David Newby (cello continuo) David Miller (theorbo continuo) Orchestra of English National Opera Christian Curnyn (conductor).