Overview
- The Bayerische Staatsoper staged Handel’s Alcina as its Festspielpremiere at the Prinzregententheater and drew a mixed critical response that separated musical achievement from theatrical shortcomings.
- Conductor Stefano Montanari and the Bayerisches Staatsorchester on period instruments won near-universal praise for a historically informed, expressive Handel performance.
- Reviews diverged on Jeanine De Bique in the title role, with one outlet calling her a breakout vocal sensation and another reporting technical strain and hardening in her upper-middle register.
- Johanna Wehner’s production and Benjamin Schönecker’s sets were criticized for a slow, underwritten dramatic concept described as a high-society salon that often felt more like concert with props.
- Several supporting soloists—John Holiday, Elsa Benoit, Julien Prégardien and Avery Amereau—were singled out for strong, stylistic singing, and critics noted that this staging will shape local momentum for Handel revivals and future casting decisions.