Published: 20250921
Date:
2025-09-21
Photographer:
Vytautas Abramauskas
The first opera written by a female composer in music history, Francesca Caccini's "The Liberation of Ruggiero from the Island of Alcina," was created specifically for the visit of Vladislav Vaza, the future Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland, to Italy in 1625. This year marks the 400th anniversary of this significant work.
One of George Frideric Handel's best and most beloved operas, Alcina, was also based on the same story. It was first performed in 1735, during Handel's first year at London's Covent Garden Theatre. This year, continuing the tradition of Historical Opera Days at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, a historically informed performance of this opera by G. F. Handel was premiered in Lithuania – a concert version with video projections.
Conductor – Rodrigo Calveyra
Author of video projections – Agnė Gintalaitė
Canto Fiorito and Klaipėda Chamber Orchestra (artistic director of the orchestra Mindaugas Bačkus)
