Music by George Frideric Handel. Libretto by Nicola Francesco Haym. Pinchgut Opera. Directed by Neil Armfield. Conducted by Erin Helyard. City Recital Hall, Sydney. November 21 – 27, 2024
A golden translucent pyramid adorned the stage, crowning the orchestra like a cake cover, which was appropriate for the ravishing music feast they provided, that perfectly balanced singing and players.
When Handel penned the opera, Castrati were all the rage, but even with his tools intact, the counter-tenor lead Tim Mead had a falsetto that was crystal clear. The melodies and vibrato floated out of him like an energetic bubble machine.