The Center & Clark were delighted to host a 400th anniversary outdoor performance of Francesca Caccini’s La Liberazione di Ruggiero dall’Isola di Alcina (The Liberation of Ruggiero from the Island of Alcina) on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The performance was held on grounds of the Clark Library’s five acre property as an homage to the location of the opera’s premiere, which took place in 1625 in the gardens of the Villa del Poggia Imperiale in Florence, Italy.
The performance featured UCLA students, the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music’s Early Music Ensemble, and members of L.A. Camerata, a professional ensemble devoted to works by early modern women. March is International Women’s History Month and Early Music Month, and it was fitting that this performance featured a female director, assistant director, and lead performers who are predominantly women. The opera began in the Outdoor Reading Room, where Dr. Marilyn Winkle, the director, gave her opening remarks. Scenes transitioned to the both the east and north lawns with spectacularly dressed sentinel to lead the way. There was much excitement in the air throughout the day, including time for all–audience included–to get up and dance.
It was a pleasure for us to collaborate with Dr. Winkle and this amazing and diverse cast of musical storytellers. Thank you to everyone who joined us in the audience to enjoy this beautiful, important production!
Ruggiero (@jonleekeenan ) has been liberated by Melissa (@iantheoneliamarini ), along with all of Alcina’s (@arielpisturino ) former lovers (@vaomusik @recurring_spaghetti_nightmare ) and damsels.