Alcina is quite possibly Handel's most magnificent opera, endowed with extraordinary musical riches and opportunities for highly theatrical staging. Two exceptional women lie at the story's heart: Alcina is a potent magician, which Bradamante counters with self-confidence and determination on her quest to rescue her fiancé Ruggiero from Alcina's sorcery. If she succeeds, they will escape and no doubt live happily ever after. If not, Ruggiero will be transformed into the newest trophy in Alcina's enormous gallery of former loves. Which will it be?