Orlando

« Orlando is love in all its forms – consuming jealousy that descends into madness, the painful acceptance of rejection, and a pair of happy lovers… though, in the end, rather bland by comparison. Händel is a master at expressing extreme emotion, and Orlando’s famous madness scene is one of the most powerful moments in all his work, originally written for the celebrated castrato Senesino. Like Bajazet’s death in Tamerlano, it’s an explosion of fury and despair – utterly gripping.
What makes this production special is Jeanne Desoubeaux’s clever staging. She brings a fresh, unexpected energy, thanks in part to the presence of children on stage. She breathes new life into the aria da capo, turning it into a living, dynamic narrative – avoiding that sense of staticrepetition. It’s a real triumph.
And then there’s the cast: a new generation of young singers who bring fresh vocal colour and help us see the piece in a new light. Supporting emerging voices is part of Les Talens Lyriques’ DNA, and I’m excited to see the energy they’ll bring to the stage.
And, after all, it’s Händel! From the first notes, you’re swept away – elegant, finely crafted, with a touch of something almost jazzy. A real musical whirlwind. I can only hope it captivates our audiences in Nancy, Caen and Luxembourg as much as it does us. »

– Christophe Rousset