From the Royal Albert Hall, London. A ravishing opera by Rameau continues the Proms theme of magic, opposing the forces of light and darkness. Zoroastre, an ancient Persian king, philosopher and master of the Magi, does battle with magician Abramane for the throne of Bactria and the hand of Princess Amelite.

Rameau Zoroastre - Les Arts Florissants, conductor William Christie

Acts 1 and 2

8.05 Half a century before Mozart's Magic Flute, in a country newly awash with Freemasonry, Rameau created an opera rich in Masonic symbols. Roderick Swanston seeks out the hidden meaning of Zoroastre, with contributions from Graham Sadler, editor of a new critical edition, Enlightenment historian Nicholas Till, Catherine Massip of the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris and chronicler of French Freemasonry Gerard Gefen.

8.25 Acts 3, 4 and 5

(See Brian Kay: page 34)
(Proms pull-out guide: page 65)