When English National Opera staged Handel's Rodelinda in 2014, Richard Jones's production was universally acclaimed, and the soprano in the title role, Rebecca Evans, was described as 'perfection'.

So the return of Rodelinda, even for only six performances, to the Coliseum this autumn is great news for opera-lovers. Evans resumes the role of Rodelinda, the loyal wife whose husband Bertarido flees abroad when his brother, Grimoaldo, takes his throne. The usurper tries to woe Rodelinda, and Bertarido, returned in disguise, returns to turmoil.

The outstanding British counter-tenor Tim Mead sings the role of Bertarido – the couple's duet Io t'abbraccio is one of the most heart-stoppingly affecting pieces in all opera. British tenor Robert Murray is the villainous Grimoaldo, and ENO favourite, mezzo-soprano Susan Bickley, is faithful friend Eduige.

Rodelinda was a big hit when it was first produced in London, Handel's adopted home, in 1725, and this production is so highly regarded that it went to the Bolshoi in Moscow a year after its London premiere.

Very highly recommended.

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Rodelinda is sung in English with English surtitles. Booking opens 10AM, 24 May.