Joyce DiDonato, The English Concert – Handel Alcina

The American opera singer returns for her second concert as the Barbican's 'Artist Spotlight'

She is considered one of the finest singers in the world, and as the focus of the Barbican’s Artist Spotlight , mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato will perform a series of concerts through the season. In the second, DiDonato will take the title role in Handel’s opera ‘Alcina’. This is an intriguing choice, outside of the American singer’s natural habitat: the Bel Canto opera of early nineteenth century Italy. Don’t miss the chance to experience DiDonato’s American’s versatility.

The opera – in which the anti-hero sorceress Alcina lures heroes to her enchanted island, turning them into rocks, streams, trees and animals – is a judicious choice by DiDonato; not only does it feature recognisable arias such as ‘Tornami a vagheggiar’, whose beautiful but challenging melody will showcase DiDonato’s rare skills, it also has a historical resonance of which the singer is surely aware.  It was in 1735 that Handel wrote the work for the Covent Garden Theatre as part of his first season as resident composer – it became the star piece. 

The English Concert , who will accompany the work, have long had a reputation as one of Europe’s most esteemed baroque orchestras. More recently, they’ve gathered plaudits also for their innovation – last year’s Gabriel at The Globe saw them accompany trumpeter Alison Balsom in a dramatic context far removed from the one we might imagine. Expect a performance as inventive as it is musically brilliant. 

DiDonato’s technical brilliance and musical sensitivity are a treat. Not by chance she’s one of the most decorated musicians the world over, having won Grammys, Gramophone Awards, Royal Philharmonic Society Awards among others.