Afternoon on 3 - Handel: Alcina (Acts 1 and 2)

Handel Operas 2009 Jonathan Swain presents the first two acts of Alcina, regarded as possibly Handel's greatest opera. Arleen Auger stars as Alcina in this well-loved recording, now over 20 years old and still among the best of all Handel opera discs Alcina is a sorceress who lures men to her enchanted island - then turns them into rocks, trees or animals when she grows tired of them. Her latest victim is Ruggiero - but his betrothed, Bradamante, won't give him up without a fight. Including contributions from director James Conway and novelist Donna Leon. Handel: Alcina (Acts 1 and 2) Alcina ...... Arleen Auger (soprano) Ruggiero ...... Della Jones (mezzo-soprano) Morgana, Alcina's sister ...... Eiddwen Harrhy (soprano) Bradamante ...... Kathleen Kuhlmann (contralto) Oberto ...... Patrizia Kwella (soprano) Oronte ...... Maldwyn Davies (tenor) Melisso ...... John Tomlinson (bass) Opera Stage Chorus City of London Baroque Sinfonia Richard Hickox (conductor).