An opera in three acts by Mozart
Conducted by Benjamin Britten
Cast in order of singing:
English Opera Group Chorus
English Chamber Orchestra
Leader Kenneth Sillito
Continuo:
Viola Tunnard (harpsichord), Bernard Richards (cello), Adrian Beers (double bass)
An English Opera Group production
Introduced by John Warrack

Idomeneo is a story of human emotion set in Crete at the time of the Trojan Wars. The King of Crete is returning victorious. To propitiate Neptune he has sworn to sacrifice the first man he encounters on the shore. Among the Trojan prisoners he sent ahead was Ilia, daughter of the King of Troy.
Act 1
Ilia is in love with Idamante, who she is sure loves Elektra. But Idamante shows his feeling for Ilia by releasing the other Trojans. Arbace announces that Idomeneo has been shipwrecked. Elektra is convinced that Idomeneo would never allow his son to marry a Trojan. Idomeneo comes ashore and fails to recognise his son. When he does he is appalled by the significance of his promise of a human sacrifice to Neptune. He urges Idamante to flee.
Act 2
Idomeneo tells Arbace of his dilemma, who suggests that Idamante should escort Elektra to Greece. She is overjoyed at the prospect of having Idamante to herself but as they are about to embark Neptune sends a sea monster in revenge for the lack of a sacrifice.
Act 3
Ilia, believing Idamante to have gone, prays for his safe journey. But he returns, determined to slay the monster. They admit their love but are joined by an angry Elektra and Idomeneo, who urges his son to leave. Arbace announces that a plague has struck the city and the priests are determined that the sacrifice be made. Idamante, having killed the monster, offers himself as a sacrifice. Ilia tries to take his
place but is saved by Neptune, who orders Idomeneo to abdicate and let his son become king with Ilia as queen.

There will be a short interval at 8.17* and at 9.5*