Garsington Opera's latest triumph is a true masterpiece – the return of Claudio Monteverdi's Il Ritorno d'Ulisse, a Baroque opera that will leave you breathless and yearning for more. Following their phenomenal staging of Orfeo in 2022, director John Caird and conductor Laurence Cummings have once again conjured magic at the Wormsley Estate, weaving a spellbinding tale that's as much about the power of music as it is about the epic journey home.
Monteverdi's opera, which premiered in Venice in the 1630s, is an unmissable ride – a thrilling account of Ulysses' arduous return to Ithaca and his heartwarming reunion with his faithful wife Penelope. The Garsington production is a stunning blend of historical grandeur and inventive staging. Robert Jones's ingenious set design reuses elements from Orfeo, featuring lush terraces and crumbling frescoed walls that transport you to another world. And then there are the costumes – think shimmering Elizabethan robes for the Greek gods, paired with ruffs, alongside a palette of whites and creams that evoke an Edwardian country house party atmosphere. The entire production is bathed in Paul Pyant's golden glow, making every moment feel like pure magic.
Laurence Cummings takes centre stage on chamber organ with The English Concert, delivering a polished and vibrant performance that's the perfect accompaniment to this epic tale. And what a joy it is to see the ensemble marching around the Wormsley Estate playing Monteverdi's Toccata before the show – it sets the tone for an unforgettable night out! The orchestra's colourful contributions from instruments such as the lirone, harp, theorbos, and sackbuts add depth and authenticity to the Baroque sound. While some may have felt that the pacing in the first half was a tad slow, the overall musical direction is assured – this is music-making at its finest.
The cast is led by Ed Lyon as Ulysses, whose flexible tenor voice takes you on an emotional journey from shipwrecked mariner to triumphant king. Cecelia Hall shines as Penelope, delivering a deeply sympathetic portrayal that showcases both her emotional depth and a touch of humour – a true tour-de-force performance! Strong supporting performances come from James Gilchrist as the loyal shepherd Eumete, Fiona Kimm as Penelope's down-to-earth nurse Ericlea, and Claire Lees as bright Minerva. The suitors, led by James Creswell's Antinoo and Benjamin Hulett's Anfinomo, are depicted as a suitably preening and self-serving ensemble – with Stuart Jackson's gourmandising Iro stealing the show with his mock-melancholy hunger aria.
Garsington Opera has once again proven its commitment to bringing high-quality, accessible opera to UK audiences. The blend of stunning visuals, accomplished musicality, and strong vocal performances creates a truly unforgettable experience – one that hints at future Monteverdi productions, including the promise of L'incoronazione di Poppea in 2028. And for those who can't attend live, fear not! Garsington Opera productions are sometimes broadcast or made available on-demand – don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the magic of opera.
This production solidifies Garsington Opera's reputation as one of the UK's leading opera companies – and leaves you eagerly anticipating their next move. With Il Ritorno d'Ulisse, they've delivered a true masterpiece that will leave you breathless, yearning for more.