Reflecting on Alcina

Di, cor mio, quanto t'amai... (Tell me how much I love you)

At the end of every production, I take time to reflect on what worked, what didn't, and what we can do even better next time. Building an opera company—and a community that believes in it—is a long game. Every production teaches us something new if we pay attention.

Looking back on Alcina, so many of the ingredients for its success were set in motion long before opening night: an extraordinary cast, exceptional musicians, generous supporters, and a creative team willing to dream big. Those are the foundations you can't simply invent in the rehearsal room. Then there was Handel's remarkable score. It's filled with unforgettable music, and with thoughtful shaping of the pacing and dramatic arc, the story became something that felt immediate and compelling. Magic, seduction, mistaken identity, illusion, heartbreak—it has everything. Finding both the joy and the tragedy within this opera was one of the most rewarding artistic experiences I've had.

Of course, every production also reveals areas where we can grow. There were challenges behind the scenes, moments of stress, and the ongoing reality that while audiences who discover opera often fall in love with it, too many people still don't believe it's for them. Changing that perception remains one of our greatest opportunities, and one of my biggest motivations.

What stayed with me most, though, was the people we connected with. We welcomed so many first-time audience members—people who probably never imagined they'd spend an evening captivated by a Baroque opera in 2026. They came with curiosity, and they left excited, moved, and inspired. That's exactly why we do this.

Producing opera is demanding work, but seeing the joy on people's faces after a performance reminds me that every challenge is worth it. Those moments of connection are what sustain all of us who devote ourselves to this art form.

I'm deeply grateful to the artists, collaborators, volunteers, donors, and audience members who continue to believe in this vision and help bring it to life. Whether you've been with us for years or joined us for the very first time with Alcina, thank you for being part of this journey.

After all these years, I still feel like we're just getting started. We'll keep leveling-up, and bringing more art to our vibrant community.

With love and gratitude,

Zachary Gordin

General & Artistic Director