News and Features

What you thought of Alcina

Read a selection of press reviews and audience reactions for Alcina.

The curtain has now gone up on our brand new production of Handel’s Alcina.

Director Francesco Micheli brings style and sumptuous excess to Glyndebourne’s first ever staging, conducted by Jonathan Cohen.

Read what the critics and audience had to say about the production.

What the critics are saying

‘the hit of the summer opera season so far’

★★★★★

– The Telegraph

‘Jonathan Cohen and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment spin skeins of beauty’

★★★★★

– The i Newspaper

‘a vibrant, cross-dressing version of Handel’s opera is visually and musically thrilling’

– The Times

‘Handel’s enchanting opera glitters with retro glamour’

– The Guardian

‘Micheli’s production creates its own world.’

– Evening Standard

Audience reaction

At 1st night of Alcina yesterday. Camp bonkers brilliant nonsense. The most impressive @glyndebourne new production of a Handel opera since Giulio Cesare in 2005. Sell your granny! Kill for a ticket! https://t.co/IJT1qCIGIu

— James Rae Smith 💙 (@unbadged) July 3, 2022

We hugely enjoyed Handel’s Alcina at @glyndebourne yesterday. Exuberant production, beautiful playing by @theoae and superlative singing, especially @SorayaMafi as Morgana. Lovely weather, and thanks to Paul from Glyndebourne works dept for mending my mobility scooter’s tyres.

— Patrick Heren (@PatrickHeren) July 3, 2022

‘Probably the most spectacular set I’ve seen at Glyndebourne.’

– Audience Member

‘It was as close to perfection as humans are allowed.’

– Audience Member

‘Stunning first night. Rarely has every cast member been so nearly flawless. Although Andreas Scholl’s Rodelinda, and Saul, run it close I’m going to say that this was my favourite/best Handel at Glyndebourne in almost thirty years. It was that good.’

– Instagram comment