Radamisto (2000)
Opera in Three Acts
Music by George Frideric Handel
Text by Nicola Francesco Haym after Domenico Lalli’s L’amor tirannico, o Zenobia
English translation by James Robinson
First performances in the new critical edition (Halle Handel Edition) by Terence Best. Used by arrangement with Barenreiter, publisher and copyright owner.
Radamisto was first performed by The Royal Academy of Music in London on 27 April 1720; the second (revised) version, used here, was first performed at the King’s Theatre, London, on 28 December 1 720.
Dates of Performance
June 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 22
2000 Season
Treemonisha   La Traviata
Radamisto   The Tale of Genji
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Cast
Tanna Miller
Polissena
Madeline Bender
Tigrane
Lauren Skuce*
Fraarte
David Evitts
Tiridate
Daniel Cory
Farasmane
Ryland Angel*
Radamisto
Deanne Meek
Zenobia
*Company Debut
Continuo
Timothy Steele
Harpsichord
Mark Votapck
Violoncello
Carolyn White
Double Bass
Creative Team
Grant Llewellyn
Conductor
James Robinson
Stage Director
Allen Moyer
Set Designer
Martin Pakledinaz
Costume Designer
Christopher Akerlind
Lighting Designer
Tom Watson
Wig & Makeup Designer
Kathryn LaBouff
English Diction Specialist
Timothy Stelle
Repetiteur
Brian Clay Luedloff*
Intern Assistant Stage Director
Brett Finley*
Stage Manager
Noah E. Spiegel*
Assistant Stage Manager
Melissa A. Sorenson
Intern Assistant Stage Manager
*Company Debut
Synopsis
Tiridate, the tyrannical king of Armenia, declares war on Radamisto in order to rob him of his wife, Zenobia. Polissena, Tiridate’s rejected wife, is both the sister of Radamisto and the beloved of Tigrane, one of Tiridate’s allies.
Tiridate captures Radamisto’s city but finds that Radamisto and Zenobia have escaped. The vengeful Tiridate sets off in pursuit, holding Farasmane, the father of Radamisto and Polissena, as a hostage.
Zenobia and Radamisto are fleeing their besieged city. Exhausted, Zenobia begs Radamisto to kill her as it seems their capture is imminent. Courage fails him, so she throws herself into the nearby Araxes River.
Tigrane discovers Radamisto and promises to take him to his sister Polissena. They are unaware that she herself is about to attempt suicide in her despair. She refuses to help her brother find Tiridate; in spite of everything, she still loves her husband. Angered by her apparent lack of loyalty, Radamisto curses his sister. Left alone, she decides to help whichever of the two men is most in need.
Zenobia has been rescued from the river by Fraarte, who takes her to Tiridate. Tigrane tells Tiridate and Zenobia that Radamisto has been killed and brings in Radamisto, disguised as a servant, to provide a false account of his own death. Tiridate is deceived, but Zenobia recognizes her husband’s voice and so, unknown to Tiridate, husband and wife are reunited.
Tigrane and Fraarte decide to raise the people against Tiridate’s tyranny.
Radamisto reveals his true identity when he prevents Tiridate from forcing his attentions on Zenobia. Tiridate condemns Radamisto to death, declaring that he will only rescind this decision if Zenobia gives herself to him willingly.
Zenobia’s and Radamisto’s sad farewells and Tiridate’s triumph are interrupted by the people; spurred on by Tigrane and Fraarte, they have risen against Tiridate. Tiridate is forced to acknowledge his wickedness and begs forgiveness from his enemies.
He and Polissena are restored to their throne, while Radamisto and Zenobia celebrate their love.
The production of Radamisto has been made possible by o much appreciated gift from an anonymous donor.
The costumes for this production were underwritten by a gift from the estate of Marjorie Wyman.
The preview presentation of Radamisto for St. Louis area students and seniors was made possible by Southwestern Bell Foundation.
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