Best Covent Garden opera this autumn

By Claudia Pritchard on 26/7/2022

Handel, Verdi and Puccini masterpieces are not to be missed, with two new productions and a top-cast revival. Booking opens 10AM, Wed 27 July

Verdi's Aida

A visual spectacle and musical extravaganza, Verdi's opera set in Egypt has at its heart a great love story. Elena Stikhina (pictured as Tosca) sings the title role, and the great Italianist Sir Anthony Pappano conducts all seven performances. Robert Carson's new production, set against political turmoil, also returns in May 2023.

Handel's Alcina

Every new Richard Jones production turns heads, and this Handel opera will certainly appeal to the director's fantastical side. The sorceress of the title uses her waning powers to immobilise her enemies, but true love, and her sister Morgana (Mary Bevan), get the upper hand... Lisette Oropesa (pictured) sings the title role

Puccini's Tosca

This is the cast that everyone has been waiting for. The two most exciting British singers of the day perform together as the lovers, singer Floria Tosca and painter Cavaradossi, in Puccini's spine-chilling, musically thrilling drama. Soprano Natalya Romaniw and tenor Freddie de Tommaso (pictured), who dramatically stepped into this role in the spring, sing on 12, 14, 18 and 21 Dec only. But there is a strong cast on other dates too and this Jonathan Kent production never fails.