London, 1735: Handel is at the height of his fame, but his Royal Academy of Music is a fragile colossus, so fierce is the competition with the Opéra de la Noblesse. It is time for a new masterpiece, driven by a charismatic character. In 1733, Handel triumphed with Orlando, based on Ariosto’s epic poem. For this new opus, he drew from the same vein, revisiting the libretto for L’Isola d’Alcina, Riccardo Broschi’s first opera seria.

The heroine is the sorceress Alcina, whose enchanted island offers exotic and spectacular scenes, interspersed with dreamlike or truly “furious” moments, as well as the amorous outpourings of which Handel is a master. The work was a resounding success, thanks to an anthology of high-wire arias: Handel is his peak with this contrasting libretto, displaying virtuosity and melodic invention, carving out powerful characters with an almost mythical breadth.

This show is supported by the Françoise Kahn-Hamm Endowment Fund.

Opera in three acts to an anonymous libretto based on Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso, first performed in London in 1735.

Show in Italian with French and English surtitles.

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY: Best seats in house with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.

PRESTIGE CATEGORY: Excellent seats with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.

REDUCED RATE: applicable to under 26s, Chateau de Versailles Spectacles card holders and groups of more than 10 people (excluding special company offer).

GROUP RATES: for more information, please refer to our page dedicated to works councils and groups.

In case of any technical problem, the box office service remains available to complete your order by phone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89 (Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm) or in our box office-shop (3 bis rue des Réservoirs, 78000 Versailles ; Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm, and on Saturdays with concerts or shows except during the Musical Fountains Shows, from 2pm to 5pm).

To ensure the best welcome possible, people with limited mobility are advised to book their seats by telephone.