Handel is known for bringing emotion to life, for dazzling vocal fireworks and epic drama, and this oratorio is no exception. Composed in the spring of 1707, it sees him at his most confident, combining rousing choruses, beguiling arias, and colourful orchestral writing.

The story is full of hidden meaning and moral stance, with the characters of Pleasure, Time and Disillusion taking on human form to battle for the soul of Beauty. Vain Beauty initially commits herself to a hedonistic lifestyle, but Time and Disillusion cannot be ignored for long. As she wrestles with temptation, she must face the inevitability of her own demise and decide whether she can find greater contentment on a more virtuous path.

This production sees Christian Curnyn, one of the UK’s leading conductors specialising in baroque repertoire, returning to Buxton with the award-winning Early Opera Company, following their triumphant Acis and Galatea in 2021. He leads a world-class cast, featuring rising star Hilary Cronin in the role of ‘Piacere’.

Director Jacopo Spirei has a great affinity for baroque music. Since La donna del lago (Buxton 2023) he has directed productions in Lisbon, Parma and Barcelona.

Libretto by Cardinal Benedetto Pamphili. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.