SEATTLE OPERA PREMIERE

A first for the Seattle Opera, this rare and glorious Handelian opera promises to hold you under its spell as a tale of seduction, magic, and intrigue plays out to some of the baroque composer's most beautiful masterpieces, featuring Vanessa Goikoetxea in the title role and conducted by Christine Brandes.

THE ISLAND OF ILLUSION

Welcome to the strange land of Alcina, a sorceress as tempting as she is cruel, many have tried to claim her heart but eventually she tosses all her lovers aside, turning them in to monsters or stone. When the knight Ruggiero stumbles onto her island he is immediately drowned by her charms. When Brandemente, Ruggeiero's long-suffering fiancee comes to rescue him dressed too as knight, Alcina's wondering eye enters them all into an enchanted and accursed love triangle.