Handel's opera live from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in the new production by Stephen Wadsworth. Sung in Italian.
The animals, plants, rocks and waves of Alcina's enchanted island were once her human lovers: when she grew tired of them, she imprisoned them by her spells. But has she met her match in her latest conquest, Ruggiero, and his fiancee Bradamante?
Royal Opera Chorus
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House/John Fisher
Act 1
7.55 Mr Severs of Folgate Street, E
In a side street in London's Spitalfields lives Dennis Severs of 18, Folgate Street. Inside, as Michael Oliver found out, you step back in time through different centuries. There are no electric lights, no gas fires. In a room furnished and victualled for the 18th century, Handel would have felt quite at home.
8.15 Act 2
9.15 Mr Handel of Brook Street, Wl
"George Frederick Handel, you are charged with having bewitched us for 20 years." Michael Oliver introduces some of Handel's London friends as they enjoy the music and company of this "portly and humorous man".
9.35 Act 3