20, 22 Feb 2004. Conduted by Ottavio Dantone, directed by Robert Carsen, with Sonia Prina, Giacinta Nicotra, Masha Carrera, Annely Peedo and Carlo Lepore.

Orlando by Haendel goes on stage at Teatro Alighieri

in Ravenna (20, 22 Feb), moving on to Teatro

Municipale Valli in Reggio Emilia (13, 15 March).

Masterminding the show will be Robert Carsen, a much-admired Canadian director who is known in Italy for his Manon Lescaut by Puccini in Bologna in 2002, and Beethovens Fidelio in Florence in May 2003. Carsen is an interesting and creative director, and he moves with ease between 18th- and 20th-century opera. His interpretation of baroque operas is unusual, with narratives that explore the psychology of the characters, and scenery that is simple and expressive rather than grandiose. This Orlando will be conducted by Ottavio Dantone, with singers Sonia Prina, Giacinta Nicotra, Masha Carrera, Annely Peedo and Carlo Lepore. Paolo Di Nicola