Partenope

Partenope description

Romantic complications and gender confusion rule in Handel's Partenope.

One of twelve ENO spectaculars on stage at the London Coliseum for 2025-26, Christopher Alden’s acclaimed production of Handel’s Partenope is back for a second revival. This is the composer's first comic opera, written in 1730, and it is just as popular as ever, almost three centuries later. Complicated romances and Shakespeare-style gender confusion make this wonderful tale of rival suitors a delight to experience.

Queen Partenope of Naples is in demand, with many suitors making their way to her door. But as it turns out, love is a battle. Beautiful arias and magical melodies accompany the action as charming Arsace, ambitious Emilio, and mysterious Eurimene, who is actually a woman called Rosmira, Arsace’s vengeful ex, become embroiled in an emotional maelstrom of epic proportions. Who will win Partenope’s love?

The conductor is Christian Curnyn and the starring role of the queen is sung by Nardus Williams. Hugh Cutting plays Arsace, Ru Charlesworth is Emilio, and Jake Ingbar plays Armindo. The ENO's fabulous orchestra performs Alden's lush musical backdrop.

A glorious experience for beginners and a treat for experienced opera fans, tickets for Partenope whisk you away to a confusing world where nothing is quite what it seems.

Playing at London Coliseum

St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES GB (venue info)

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