The story of Idomeneo offers all the drama one expects from ancient Greek myth and legend. Cruel fate, gods demanding sacrifice, love in jeopardy, and even a sea serpent: such elements no doubt made it an attractive plot for an ambitious young composer. By the early 1780s Mozart had reached musical maturity, and it shows in the huge range of music in his score, from solemn to sparkling, from lament to jubilation, with a foretaste of the glorious melodies to come in his later operas.

Chelsea Opera Group is delighted to welcome back conductor Paul Wingfield, who brought Mozartian energy to La clemenza di Tito with Chelsea Opera Group in 2023, and conducted an acclaimed performance of Lalo’s Le roi d’Ys in 2025.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

4.15pm: Pre-concert talk with Dr Druno Bower