Ariodante

Experience one of the most celebrated treasures of the Baroque repertoire as Handel's Ariodante takes the stage at the magnificent Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul. Based on Ludovico Ariosto's epic poem Orlando Furioso, this sweeping opera weaves tales of love, betrayal, jealousy, and redemption into an unforgettable tapestry of soaring arias, breathtaking dance sequences, and ravishing orchestral color. From its heartbreaking lament 'Scherza infida' to the triumphant jubilation of its finale, Ariodante stands as Handel's operatic pinnacle — a work that speaks directly to the deepest human emotions. The Ordway Center, one of the Twin Cities' premier performing arts destinations, provides the perfect setting for this grand production. With its exceptional acoustics and intimate yet grand atmosphere, every note of Handel's intricate score resonates with stunning clarity and warmth. Performances are scheduled across three weekends in March 2027 — on March 14, March 19, and March 21 — offering multiple opportunities to witness this remarkable staging during the final weeks of winter, when the drama unfolding onstage feels all the more vivid and transporting. Whether you are a devoted opera aficionado or a first-time attendee drawn by curiosity, Ariodante promises an evening of rare theatrical and musical splendor. The lush costumes, expressive staging, and virtuosic vocal performances combine to create a world that is at once historically rich and powerfully immediate. Do not miss your chance to experience this landmark production in the heart of St. Paul.