Opera Essentia: Rosmene’s Choice
Opera Essentia presents Rosmene’s Choice, a 70-minute distillation of Handel’s rarely heard Imeneo of 1738. Jeffrey Mandelbaum’s brand new curation reveals one woman’s struggle with her impossible situation. Unwilling to reject one of her obsessed suitors, Rosmene is caught between “ingrata” and “infida”. Hounded on all sides, which way will she turn?
The mission of Opera Essentia is to curate one of history’s most transfixing artforms for a new and wider audience, performing in gardens, parks, and other accessible centers of community. They distill the largely unknown works of baroque master George Frideric Handel, arguably the most important composer for the voice, into approachable discoveries. Contrasting opera’s usually expensive and exclusive productions, Opera Essentia offers programs free of charge in Alphabet City, Bed-Stuy, and other local neighborhoods which lack centers for the Arts.
Delivered in a concise One-Act experience, and performed by a diverse company of world-class musicians, they hope to amaze and delight new generations - with these rarely performed works by the composer of The Messiah. Handel perfectly conveys character and emotion through deeply expressive writing for the human voice. Opera Essentia presents this vital music on visceral “gut string” instruments, weaving arias into an intimate sound chronicle for all to enjoy.
We are very excited to have you back at our events and would like to remind you that we are still in the midst of the pandemic. Please be considerate of your fellow guests and stay home if you’re feeling unwell. Also, consider wearing a mask when attending indoor BPL Presents events. You’ll be doing your part to help keep yourself and everyone healthy and safe.
BPL Presents programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
