Critic’s Choice

February 12, 2019 at 12:24 pm

By Aaron Keebaugh

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For the rest of this season, Odyssey Opera is presenting three rare works that explore the story of Helen of Troy. The first will be Gluck’s Paride ed Elena, which Odyssey will offer in its Boston premiere Friday and Sunday at the Huntington Avenue Theatre.

With a libretto by Ranieri de’ Calzabigi, Gluck’s opera tells of the steamy affair between the Trojan prince Paris and the beautiful Helen, who must choose between newfound love for her captor and duty to her country. Gluck’s music captures the couple’s emotions, and opera lovers will have the chance to hear popular arias in context, including “Le belle immagini,” where Paris expresses his fear of losing Helen.

Under direction of Crystal Manich, Odyssey Opera’s production will star Mireille Asselin as Elena (Helen) and Meghan Lindsay in the trousers role of Paride (Paris). Erica Schuller and Dana Lynne Varga round out the cast as Amore and Pallas Athene respectively. Gil Rose conducts.

Paride ed Elena will be performed 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Huntington Avenue Theatre. odysseyopera.org

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