A national tour of a new production of Handel's magic opera Amadigi takes in Tynedale and marks English Touring Opera’s (ETO) return to live performance.

James Conway will direct a cast including countertenor Tim Morgan and soprano Jenny Stafford for a concert performance at Hexham Abbey on October 5 at 7.30pm.

Tim Morgan sings the title role, with Jenny Stafford singing the part of the sorceress, Melissa, whose infatuation with Amadigi drives her to imprison his love Oriana (Harriet Eyley) and torment him and his companion turned rival, Dardano (Rebecca Afonwy-Jones), with shape-shifting spells and devilish devices.

English Touring Opera’s period instrument orchestra partner, the Old Street Band, is conducted by Jonathan Peter Kenny, and the production is directed by James Conway, re-uniting the team responsible for celebrated Handel productions Giulio Cesare (2017, 2020), Xerxes (2016) and 2009’s Handelfest.

Handel’s exuberant, rarely performed opera explores the powerlessness of young people in the face of all-consuming love. Vividly depicting the feverish highs and devastating lows of infatuation, the opera is brimming with exquisite arias and tuneful music that pre-echoes work such as the composer’s Water Music and the Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.

The small but important role of the boy, Orgando, will be taken by a young singer local to each venue, found through an open audition process, building on ETO’s strong history of working with children’s choirs and young singers from all over the country.

During the pandemic, ETO has stayed connected with audiences through a series of successful digital projects.

Since 1979, English Touring Opera has toured live productions and impactful education and community projects to over 50,000 people per year with five mainstage productions, two specially commissioned operas for children and young people with special educational needs, a series of creative workshops for people with dementia and their carers, and more than 70 workshops for people of all abilities and ages.

More info at:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/english-touring-opera-handel-amadigi-in-concert-tickets-167614163475