Synopsis

Handel Operas 2009

BBC Radio 3's complete cycle of Handel operas continues with Giustino - the story of a peasant's rise of the rank of emperor. Full of spectacle, the opera was composed for the 1736-37 Covent Garden season and based on an episode in Byzantine history. It begins with the coronation of Anastasio by Empress Arianna being interrupted by news of the advance of the rebel Vitaliano, who is demanding Arianna's hand. The peasant Giustino is told by the goddess Fortuna to join the war against the rebel. Immediately he saves the life of Anastasio's sister Leocasta who is being chased by a bear - and later he rescues Arianna herself from a sea-monster.

Presented by Jonathan Swain, who is joined in the studio by Michael Chance, who sings the title role.

Handel: Giustino (Acts 1 and 2)

Giustino ...... Michael Chance (countertenor)
Arianna ...... Dorothea Roschmann (soprano)
Anastasio ...... Dawn Kotoski (soprano)
Leocasta ...... Jennifer Lane (contralto)
Vitaliano ...... Mark Padmore (tenor)
Amanzio ...... Drew Minter (countertenor)
Fortuna ...... Juliana Gondek (soprano)
Polidarte ...... Dean Ely (bass-baritone)
Halle Cantamus Chorus
Freiburg Baroque Orchestra
Nicholas McGegan (conductor)

4.15pm
Ulster Orchestra Summer Series
The Ulster Orchestra plays music by Co Down composer Deirdre McKay followed by a John Field piano concerto.

Deirdre McKay: Meltwater
Ulster Orchestra
Pierre Andre Valade (conductor)

John Field: Piano Concerto No 1 in E flat
John O'Conor (piano)
Ulster Orchestra
Pierre Andre Valade (conductor).