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Superstar soprano Lucy Crowe sings the title role in this new Garsington Opera production, with Tim Mead as her husband King Bertarido and Ed Lyon as villainous usurper Grimoaldo; Peter Whelan conducts.

One of Handel’s most successful operas when first performed in 1725, and one of his most highly regarded in recent times, Rodelinda is an involving, taut, and remarkably modern drama. Grimoaldo drives the rightful king Bertarido from his kingdom; his wife Rodelinda is devastated by the news that Bertarido has been killed, and now she has to fend off the unwanted attentions of... Grimoaldo. But especially in this Garsington staging directed by Ruth Knight, Rodelinda is a tough cookie – "don't mess with her", says Lucy Crowe! – and she soon hatches a clever plan. And could it be that rumours of Bertarido's demise have been greatly exaggerated?

Presented by Andrew McGregor in conversation with Handel expert Suzanne Aspden.

Handel: Rodelinda
Rodelinda ..... Lucy Crowe (soprano)
Bertarido ..... Tim Mead (countertenor)
Grimoaldo ..... Ed Lyon (tenor)
Eduige, Bertarido's sister ..... Marvic Monreal (mezzo-soprano)
Unulfo, Bertarido's adviser ..... Hugh Cutting (countertenor)
Garibaldo, Grimoaldo's adviser ..... Brandon Cedel (bass-baritone)
The English Concert
Conductor Peter Whelan