Radio 3

Bellini's I Puritani from The Royal Opera After nearly 35 years, I Puritani returns to Covent Garden in Richard Jones's new production of Vincenzo Bellini's final opera. Set during the English Civil War, the story follows Elvira, the daughter of a Puritan leader, whose long-awaited wedding to the Royalist Arturo is shattered when he abandons her to rescue the widowed Queen Henrietta Maria. As war rages around them, Arturo becomes a fugitive, Elvira descends into despair, and her family and friends are forced to confront the consequences of divided loyalties and impossible choices. Written shortly before Bellini's death at the age of 33, I Puritani is one of the great masterpieces of the bel canto repertoire, combining extraordinary vocal virtuosity with some of the composer's most poignant and haunting melodies. Lisette Oropesa stars as Elvira, with Francesco Demuro as Arturo, Andrzej Filończyk as Riccardo and Ildebrando D'Arcangelo as Giorgio. The Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera are conducted by Riccardo Frizza. Martin Handley presents, and is joined by opera expert Flora Willson. Recorded at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, in July 2026. Vincenzo Bellini: I Puritani Elvira ..... Lisette Oropesa (soprano) Lord Arturo Talbo ..... Francesco Demuro (tenor) Sir Riccardo Forth ..... Andrzej Filończyk (baritone) Sir Giorgio Valton ..... Ildebrando D'Arcangelo (bass) Enrichetta di Francia ..... Marcela Rahal (mezzo-soprano) Lord Gualtiero Valton ..... Blaise Malaba (bass) Sir Bruno Roberton ..... Giorgi Guliashvili (tenor) Chorus and Orchestra of The Royal Opera Riccardo Frizza (conductor)