Bath children perform in Handel opera

One of the many great things about the revival in the fortunes of early music has been the more widespread performances of Handel's operas.

Filled with fabulous tunes, the operas' main champion in recent years has been English Touring Opera, which has staged some of the best of them.

In the company's 30th anniversary year it is bringing both Alcina and Teseo to the Theatre Royal Bath next week.

Alcina can be seen on Monday and Teseo on Tuesday.

Two talented local youngsters will be performing in Teseo and they are Ben Thomas, 11, from St Gregory's Catholic College, and Sophie Garcia, nine, who attends the Curtain Up theatre school in Bath.

The two children will be working alongside some of the stars of ETO's Handelfest season cast. Working hard with their singing teachers to prepare, the children will appear as the ghosts of Medea's children in Teseo.

Ben, a budding singer, has previously been the lead singer of St Stephen's School Blues Band and is now at St Gregory's continuing his singing lessons, and Sophie takes part in regular performing arts classes with Curtain Up.

On November 10, St Gregory's Catholic College will also host an educational workshop by ETO entitled According to Handel.

Bath-based Vocal Works Gospel Choir will also perform in Teseo. One of several local choirs making a guest appearance during the tour, the choir will play the role of the Athenians at the Theatre Royal.

In both of the operas, love, tragedy and revenge are explored in different guises from magic to mythology, each of them linked by Handel's divine music.

Alcina is the greatest depiction of passion, in all its forms. Handel's lavish opera tells of an enchantress who enslaves the men who come to her island until her own love causes her downfall.

Teseo is a swashbuckling drama with a score full of youthful brilliance. This extraordinary early Handel opera features many dazzling arias.

Ticket prices range from £21.50 to £35 from the box office on 01225 448844 or online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk

WIN TICKETS

If you would like to win two tickets to watch Handel's Teseo on Tuesday, November 10 at 7.30pm just answer the following question, put your answer on a postcard and send it with your name, address and daytime telephone number to Theatre Royal Opera Competition, The Guide, The Bath Chronicle, Westpoint, James Street West, Bath BA1 2DA. The first correct answer out of the hat first thing on Monday morning will get the prize. The question is: which anniversary is English Touring Opera celebrating?