Afternoon on 3 - Handel: Atalanta

Handel Operas 2009 Radio 3's cycle of Handel operas continues with Atalanta, a pastoral tale of kings and queens, shepherds and shepherdesses, with the customary plot lines of mistaken identities, scorned love, jealousy, near disaster and last-minute resolutions in time for a happy ending. The opera was composed in 1736 for the wedding of Prince Frederick of Wales, and is rarely heard. This production is directed by Handel expert Nicholas McGegan, who joins Ian Skelly to discuss the work. Atalanta, Princess of Arcadia ...... Dominique Labelle (soprano) Meleagro, King of Etolia ...... Susanne Ryden (soprano) Irene, a shepherdess ...... Cecile van de Sant (mezzo-soprano) Amintas, A shepherd ...... Michael Slattery (tenor) Nicander, father of Irene ...... Philip Cutlip (baritone) Mercury ...... Corey McKern (baritone) Hanover Opera Chamber Choir Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra Nicholas McGegan (director).