The work presents a panorama of society in both serious and comic scenes, reminiscent of the turbulent world of the Venetian carnival. As a composer of the generation after Monteverdi, Cesti combines his predecessor’s precise declamation with melodies of a previously unheard sensuality. Behind all amorous entanglements lies the philosophical question of whether we should follow the allure of love or the cool voice of reason.

Wolfgang Katschner and his lautten compagney BERLIN, who were recently awarded the OPUS KLASSIK, and director Tomo Sugao worked together at the MusikTheater an der Wien in the Kammeroper for the first time. They question performance traditions as well as the boundaries between acting and singing.

The audience enthusiastically applauded the entire cast: Hilary Cronin as Orontea, Gabriel Díaz as Alidoro, Alexander Strömer as Gelone and Creonte, Stephen Chaundy as Aristea, Maria Ladurner as Silandra, Therese Troyer as Giacinta and Johannes Wieners as Corindo. Manhan Qi also appeared in the role of Tibrino within the CAMPUS cooperation with the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin.

L’Orontea can be seen at the Kammeroper until 29 December.