San Francisco Opera: Ariodante

Rediscovered after two centuries of neglect, this baroque gem has been widely acclaimed as a masterpiece containing some of Handel’s most emotionally expressive arias.

A Scottish prince is betrayed by a deceitful duke in this compelling tale of passion, envy, greed, despair and ultimate triumph. Mezzo-soprano Susan Graham returns in the title role, with the Polish contralto Ewa Podlés as the scheming Polinesso, and the return of Ruth Ann Swenson as Ginevra. Veteran director John Copley deftly negotiates the twists and turns of the story.