Munich Opera Festival premieres Handel's Alcina

The Bavarian State Opera presented the world premiere of George Frideric Handel's *Alcina* on 13 July at the Prinzregententheater as part of the Munich Opera Festival. Directed by Johanna Wehner, the production downplays the magical elements of the story, concentrating on the characters' emotions, love, jealousy and abandonment.

The cast was highlighted for its vocal strength. Jeanine de Bique sang the title role with dramatic intensity, while Elsa Benoit and John Holiday received praise for their expressive timbres. Critics noted that the staging was uneven, but the orchestra and direction by Stefano Montanari supported the singers effectively, earning an enthusiastic response from the audience.