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What Was Old is New Again
Handel’s Partenope revitalized at the New York City Opera
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At first glance, it would appear Handel’s Partenope is long outdated. If this were true, one would then have to ask: what would be the point of bringing it back to life? Looking back, this rare comedic opera first appeared at King’s Theatre in February of 1730. With the many great works of George Frideric Handel presented in the modern age, this comedy is often lost in history. Ironically, if one were to look deeper into Partenope, one would see the great modern relevance this opera still holds. Therefore, one would come to understand that the rarity of this opera is a mistake. This is clearly not lost on those at the New York City Opera.
According to the official press release, “Partenope, one of eleven Handel operas in the company’s extensive Baroque repertory, received its acclaimed New York premiere at New York City Opera in 1998 in this touching and fanciful production originally directed by Francisco Negrin. This comic tale of cross-dressing and romantic entanglements is set in the court of the first Queen of Naples. Cyndia Sieden is Partenope. The production features sets by John Conklin, costumes by Paul Steinberg, and lighting by Robert Wierzel. Partenope will be performed in Italian, with English supertitles.” Conducted by Christian Curnyn, this production comes to life from April 3–17. For more information about New York City Opera’s Partenope, please visit www.nycopera.com.