Afternoon on 3

Handel Operas 2009 Radio 3's complete cycle of Handel operas continues with Ariodante, a work featuring joy and deep despair, love, hatred and revenge, set to some of the greatest music the composer ever wrote. Presented by Louise Fryer, who talks to Janet Baker about one of her signature roles in this most appealing of Handel operas. Handel: Ariodante (Acts 1 and 2) Ariodante ...... Janet Baker (mezzo-soprano) Ginevra, his betrothed ..... Edith Mathis (soprano) Polinesso, the villain ...... James Bowman (countertenor) Dalinda, Ginevra's maid ...... Norma Burrowes (soprano) Lurcanio, Polinesso's brother ...... David Rendall (tenor) King of Scotland, Ginevra's father ...... Samuel Ramey (bass) Odardo, his attendant ...... Alexander Oliver (tenor) London Voices English Chamber Orchestra Raymond Leppard (conductor).