After their triumph at La Scala, Milan, in 1827 with Il pirata, Vincenzo Bellini and the librettist Felice Romani continued their partnership with La straniera. Their new opera, which had an equally enthusiastic reception at La Scala in 1829, is set in Brittany and centres on Alaide, the ‘stranger’ of the title, who is a former Queen of France, compelled to live as a recluse.

The romantic and dramatic complications arising from the presence of this mysterious figure in the local community make up the opera’s story. Eschewing opportunities for vocal display, Bellini makes powerful use of expressive recitative and ensembles rather than arias to create his effects. This performance offers lovers of bel canto a rare opportunity to hear a strong piece which has fallen into neglect, overshadowed by the masterpieces like Norma and I puritani which followed it.

Helena Dix makes a welcome return in the lead role of Alaide.

Concert performance in Italian with English surtitles.

4.45pm: Pre-concert talk with Simon Bainbridge.