Händel: Rodelinda

Renée Fleming takes on the lead role in one of Handel’s most acclaimed dramas, showcased in Stephen Wadsworth’s 2004 Met debut production. The story follows Rodelinda, who faces a harrowing choice: with her husband Bertarido presumed dead, she must either wed the loathed Grimoaldo (portrayed by the sophisticated Joseph Kaiser), who has seized her husband’s throne, or risk her son’s life. However, Bertarido, played by the prominent countertenor Andreas Scholl, is actually alive and ultimately regains both his throne and his wife, while also reconciling with his adversaries. Stephanie Blythe delivers a remarkable performance as Eduige, Bertarido’s sister, who is engaged to Grimoaldo but eventually opposes him. The production is conducted by Baroque expert Harry Bicket.