Presented by Festival Opera & The San Francisco Early Music Society
She rules by seduction—until truth breaks the spell...
On a magical island, the sorceress Alcina lures men with beauty and desire, using them for pleasure before discarding them—transforming former lovers into the stones, animals, trees, and other objects that populate her enchanted world. Her allure, like her palace, is sustained by powerful spells that conceal the truth: both Alcina and her island are in ruins. When her latest conquest is given a magical ring that reveals this reality, the illusion begins to collapse. As Alcina’s powers fade, she loses her hold—and ultimately her conquest—to the force of true love.
Brought to life by a stellar cast and an orchestra of period instruments, this production unleashes the opera’s raw emotional intensity and virtuosic fire. At its center is Nikola Printz, whose magnetic performance reveals both Alcina’s intoxicating power and vulnerability beneath the spell. Dark, seductive, and musically electric—Alcina is baroque opera at its best.
CAST & CREATIVE Alcina: Nikola Printz Ruggiero: Courtney Miller Morgana: Shawnette Sulker Bradamante: Sara Couden Oronte: Spencer Greene Oberto: Nina Jones Melisso: Isaiah Musik-Ayala
Director: Zachary Gordin Conductor: Derek Tam With the Festival Opera Chorus & Orchestra
Performed in Italian with English supertitles
approx. 2 hours 20 minutes, with two 15 minute intermissions
This production includes acted depictions of death and drug use, fog or haze effects, and the use of an acted weapon. This event is recommended for ages 10 and up.
