ORLANDO

Love and madness are sometimes closely connected – especially in the dramatic realm of opera. A prime example is Georg Friedrich Handel’s five-act opera Orlando, whose title character is consumed by his love for Angelica and descends into frenzied madness. The 1732 composition is well presented in a concert performance by Les Musiciens du Louvre; one of the ensemble’s early music strengths is its rendition of Handel’s works. Marc Minkowski founded the French ensemble in 1982 and, in addition to his concert activities with Les Musiciens du Louvre, frequently conducts in Paris, London, Milan, and Salzburg. From 2013 to 2017, he led the Mozart Week in Salzburg. Together with distinguished soloists, such as Aude Extrémo, who has collaborated closely with Minkowski for many years, and skilled instrumentalists, he brings the powerful emotions of Baroque opera to life in the Baroque palace theatre. Thanks to the magician Zoroastro, Orlando is ultimately cured of his madness – setting the stage for a harmonious conclusion.

This concert is part of the Festival-Subscription I.