Orlando
Opera in Three Acts by George Frideric Handel
Orlando will premiere online in three acts on September 16, 23, and 30 at 7:30pm CT, each featuring a virtual opening night party, with the full opera available for viewing until October 31, 2021.
“Chicago’s finest operatic event of 2021”
Chicago Classical Review
“Visually unified, lavishly costumed, and brilliantly performed, pit to principals”
Chicago Tribune
“Haymarket Opera reaches new heights”
Chicago Classical Review
“A bombastic combo of Bejun Mehta’s singing and Craig Trompeter’s reading of the score”
Operawire
“A Magnificent Achievement”
Chicago Classical Review
Bejun Mehta stars in the title role. Photo by Anna Cillan.
An All-Star Film of Handel’s Orlando
A new top-quality film of Handel’s magic opera, Orlando, staged and costumed for visual splendor alongside a star-studded cast.
Imaginative and arresting film techniques capture the genius of Handel and the show-stopping artistry of the performers: Bejun Mehta in the title role, Emily Fons (Medoro), David Govertsen (Zoroastro), Kimberly Jones (Angelica), and Erica Schuller (Dorinda). Harpsichordist Jory Vinikour rejoins the Haymarket Opera Orchestra, led by Craig Trompeter.
The production team includes creative producer Chase Hopkins; film director Garry Grasinski of Chicago's Grayson Media; Grammy-nominated audio engineer Mary Mazurek; distribution and film team from Chicago’s Aphorism Studios; lighting designer Lindsey Lyddan; stage director Sarah Edgar; costume designer Stephanie Cluggish in her Haymarket debut, and original production artwork by Chicago artist Zuleyka V. Benitez projected throughout.
Orlando was filmed in June 2021 at the new Jarvis Opera Hall at DePaul University, the first production to take place in the venue.
Original production artwork by Zuleyka V. Benitez.
Toil and Trouble in Handel’s Orlando
The history: Handel’s astonishing theatrical sensibility turned Ariosto’s epic Orlando Furioso into an operatic tour-de-force, exploring themes of heroism, love, and insanity through experimental musico-dramatic forms considered cutting-edge at its 1732 premiere.
The story: The warrior knight Orlando is madly in love with Angelica, Princess of Cathay. Angelica and the shepherdess Dorinda both love Prince Medoro. Deception and chaos reign. Can the sorcerer Zoroastro, benevolent guardian of Orlando, save the day?
Erica Schuller films Handel’s Orlando. Photo by Anna Cillan.
Thanks to our Production Sponsors:
Lead Sponsors: Amata Offices, M. Scott Anderson, Debbie Crimmins and Paul Goerss, Garry Grasinski, Axel Kunzmann and Bruce Nelson, Richard Jamerson and Susan Rozendaal, Greg O’Leary and Patricia Kenney, Lynne and Ralph Schatz, and Marjorie Stinespring
Supporting Sponsors: Debra Cox, Jerry and Pat Fuller, Edward T. Mack, Michael and Jessica Young
Foundational support comes from: The Paul M. Angell Foundation, the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, the Cliff Dwellers Arts Foundation, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Illinois Arts Council Agency, and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
We are grateful for the support of these sponsors alongside the support that has come from Haymarket’s wonderful community of donors. Your donated tickets, gifts, and contributions have helped make this performance possible. Thank you!
Emily Fons (Medoro) and Kimberly Jones (Angelica). Photo by Anna Cillan.
The Cast
Plunging us into a medieval world of chivalry and sorcery, Bejun Mehta leads this production with his iconic and visceral interpretation of this conflicted anti-hero. Sounding more exciting than ever, Mehta’s deep understanding of the character electrifies this production as Orlando’s battle plays out in his own psyche.
Emily Fons returns to the company following her lauded performance in the title role of Haymarket’s 2018 production of Cesti’s L’Orontea. Kimberly Jones, David Govertsen, and Erica Schuller—stars in the Haymarket firmament—each shine in their second filmed opera with the company.
BEJUN MEHTA | Orlando
“One of the most commanding, exhilarating countertenors of the modern era” (New York Times)
KIMBERLY JONES | Angelica
“A bright, alluring soprano” (Chicago Tribune)
EMILY FONS | Medoro
“One of the best singing actors of her generation” (Opera News)
ERICA SCHULLER | Dorinda
“The soprano's clear vocal timbre and the limpid fluidity of her coloratura are an ideal match" (Chicago Classical Review)
DAVID GOVERTSEN | Zoroastro
“David Govertsen, the master of lower voiced roles” (Operawire)
Kimberly Jones as Angelica in Handel’s Orlando.
10th-Anniversary Season Presented in HD
Orlando premiered online in three acts on September 16, 23, and 30, each featuring an online premiere event, with the full opera available for viewing until October 31, 2021.
This event is for everyone! The event will be captioned. If you require another access service to fully participate or have any questions about accessibility, please contact us at info@haymarketopera.org. To ensure the best experience, please try to contact us at your earliest convenience.
David Govertsen as Zoroastro in Handel’s Orlando. Photo by Anna Cillan.