Alcina in Alcina

Lisette Oropesa's portrayal of Alcina has been universally praised for its magnetism and vocal prowess, with critics from various publications highlighting common themes of grace, emotional depth, and technical mastery. Across the board, her performance in this challenging role is noted for the seamless blend of silkiness and strength in her voice, which allows her to navigate Handel's demanding score with apparent ease. Critics consistently emphasize her ability to convey the complex emotions of the sorceress, from the commanding power she wields to the vulnerability she experiences as her control begins to slip. Her rendition of "Ah! mio cor" is repeatedly singled out as a standout moment, with many noting her ability to deliver a profoundly moving performance that captures the fear and sorrow of the character.

Oropesa's interpretation is also celebrated for its youthful energy and the clarity of her soprano, which some reviewers liken to that of legendary sopranos like Maria Callas. Her stage presence is described as both magnetic and stylish, with a particular emphasis on how her physical embodiment of Alcina, from her striking costumes to her confident movement, complements her vocal performance. Critics appreciate how Oropesa's portrayal highlights the dual nature of Alcina—both powerful and vulnerable—bringing depth and nuance to the role. This combination of vocal skill, emotional depth, and commanding stage presence makes Oropesa's interpretation of Alcina not just technically proficient, but also an emotionally resonant experience that captivates audiences.

Lisette has been reviewed 26 times in this role.

Role Information

Composer: George Frideric Handel
Opera: Alcina
Performances: 11
Reviews: 26
Venues: 2
Organizations: 2
Years: 2022 - 2025

…this delicious production, directed by Richard Jones, with a cast led by the magnificent Cuban-American soprano Lisette Oropesa, shows how brilliant it can be.…her voice control is the best in the business. Not only did she display no sign of her ailments from the start, but she became even better as her confidence grew throughout the performance.

…this delicious production, directed by Richard Jones, with a cast led by the magnificent Cuban-American soprano Lisette Oropesa, shows how brilliant it can be.
…her voice control is the best in the business. Not only did she display no sign of her ailments from the start, but she became even better as her confidence grew throughout the performance.

Royal Opera House

— Daily Express, September 2026
Leading the cast is Lisette Oropesa as a refreshingly youthful Alcina. Her bright, supple soprano has a touch of Callas about it, and she’s especially ravishing in the upper register. The transformation from ditzy playgirl to abandoned lover is beautifully charted and she’s viscerally engaging in the ferocious “Ah! mio cor schernito sei!” and the anguished strains of “Ombre pallide.”

Leading the cast is Lisette Oropesa as a refreshingly youthful Alcina. Her bright, supple soprano has a touch of Callas about it, and she’s especially ravishing in the upper register. The transformation from ditzy playgirl to abandoned lover is beautifully charted and she’s viscerally engaging in the ferocious “Ah! mio cor schernito sei!” and the anguished strains of “Ombre pallide.”

Royal Opera House

— Musical America, November 2022
Oropesa's shattering aria Ah, mio cor is a highlight.

Oropesa's shattering aria Ah, mio cor is a highlight.

Royal Opera House

— London Theatre, September 2026
… she’s imperious in the role, her soprano gleaming and athletic as she strides across the stage in her Louboutins.

… she’s imperious in the role, her soprano gleaming and athletic as she strides across the stage in her Louboutins.

Royal Opera House

— The Guardian, September 2026
The role of Alcina is taken by the Cuban–American soprano Lisette Oropesa, whose starring roles at Covent Garden have included a highly acclaimed Violetta in La Traviata. She here embodies both the sexual allure and the emotional fragility of the character –Handel’s psychological acuity seems so modern – and her singing is no less dazzlingly brilliant, with some stratospheric decoration.

The role of Alcina is taken by the Cuban–American soprano Lisette Oropesa, whose starring roles at Covent Garden have included a highly acclaimed Violetta in La Traviata. She here embodies both the sexual allure and the emotional fragility of the character –Handel’s psychological acuity seems so modern – and her singing is no less dazzlingly brilliant, with some stratospheric decoration.

Royal Opera House

— Evening Standard, November 2022
Lisette Oropesa voice has that infallible ping and reach from the start, as she wields her brand perfume...The emotional highlights – “Ah! mio cor” and “Ombre pallide” in Act Two – hit surprisingly hard.

Lisette Oropesa voice has that infallible ping and reach from the start, as she wields her brand perfume...The emotional highlights – “Ah! mio cor” and “Ombre pallide” in Act Two – hit surprisingly hard.

Royal Opera House

— The Arts Desk, November 2022
Lisette Oropesa took the title role, sassy and demanding, a sort of cheerful arrogance. Oropesa's soprano gleamed as she sailed through her arias. She dazzled with some brilliant coloratura, trills superb as ever, often with one eye on her audience; but also moulded elegant lines in Ah! Mio cor! and Mi restano le lagrime, moments of rare introspection as Alcina…

Lisette Oropesa took the title role, sassy and demanding, a sort of cheerful arrogance. Oropesa's soprano gleamed as she sailed through her arias. She dazzled with some brilliant coloratura, trills superb as ever, often with one eye on her audience; but also moulded elegant lines in Ah! Mio cor! and Mi restano le lagrime, moments of rare introspection as Alcina realised that not everything was hers by default.

Royal Opera House

— Opera Now, September 2026
The Cuban-American soprano Lisette Oropesa is magnetic in the main role of Alcina, sister of Morgana. The great light soprano voice, adorned in a sparkling azure blue dress, brings all the complexity to the role of the cursed sorceress. All her interventions are rich in subtle and measured acting, engaged even in her posture. Her powerful voice with a recognizable…

The Cuban-American soprano Lisette Oropesa is magnetic in the main role of Alcina, sister of Morgana. The great light soprano voice, adorned in a sparkling azure blue dress, brings all the complexity to the role of the cursed sorceress. All her interventions are rich in subtle and measured acting, engaged even in her posture. Her powerful voice with a recognizable fast vibrato receives acclaim. She convinces as a smiling lover, as well as a sorceress, queen, woman, devastated and plaintive, her technique allowing her to put a "gritty" effect on her voice. From dizzying intervals to dramatic breaths, shivers sweep through the audience repeatedly: the voice, firmly rooted in the chest, effortlessly soars, enchanting with its virtuosic vocal acrobatics.

Opéra Royal du Château de Versailles

— Olyrix, May 2025
The superb soprano Lisette Oropesa, whose voice sounded over-heavy for the part of Alcina in the cooler original, here fits better at the centre of this musical picture. Despite having a cold on press night, she was still chillingly precise in her tortured Ah mio cor, with strings jabbing the orchestral lines in pain. Her final lament, Mi restano le…

The superb soprano Lisette Oropesa, whose voice sounded over-heavy for the part of Alcina in the cooler original, here fits better at the centre of this musical picture. Despite having a cold on press night, she was still chillingly precise in her tortured Ah mio cor, with strings jabbing the orchestral lines in pain. Her final lament, Mi restano le lagrime, was still regrettably shorn of its visionary few central bars in the major key, but her overall command was compelling.

Royal Opera House

— The Telegraph, September 2026
In a largely worldwide solid, Lisette Oropesa inhabited the title position with monumental style, her creamy tone completely fits the half.

In a largely worldwide solid, Lisette Oropesa inhabited the title position with monumental style, her creamy tone completely fits the half.

Royal Opera House

— Pehal News, November 2022
American soprano Lisette Oropesa delivers the star quality here as Alcina, conjuring an insouciant sense of superiority for the glittering enchantress, and singing with a high-class, diamantine soprano that never loses its quality. The intensity of her later arias comes across at white heat.

American soprano Lisette Oropesa delivers the star quality here as Alcina, conjuring an insouciant sense of superiority for the glittering enchantress, and singing with a high-class, diamantine soprano that never loses its quality. The intensity of her later arias comes across at white heat.

Royal Opera House

— Financial Times, November 2022
Lisette Oropesa triumphs as the enchantress Alcina, heading an impressive cast.In the second act alone, we are treated to an affecting Verdi prati by D'Angelo and a splendid Ah! Mio cor from Oropesa, the latter aria greeted with wild audience applause.

Lisette Oropesa triumphs as the enchantress Alcina, heading an impressive cast.
In the second act alone, we are treated to an affecting Verdi prati by D'Angelo and a splendid Ah! Mio cor from Oropesa, the latter aria greeted with wild audience applause.

Royal Opera House

— The Stage, September 2026
Lisette Oropesa…is just as stunning in the title role now as before. Her glistening soprano combines with superlative stage presence to suggest someone who is as alluring as she is also vulnerable.

Lisette Oropesa…is just as stunning in the title role now as before. Her glistening soprano combines with superlative stage presence to suggest someone who is as alluring as she is also vulnerable.

Royal Opera House

— Opera Online, September 2026
But the real value in this Alcina lies in the performances. Cuban-American soprano Lisette Oropesa is brilliant as Alcina, using her narcissism to her bewitch and manipulate. Oropesa has a luminescent tone, control and technique that allows her to pivot between seductiveness and the anger of in Ah! Ruggeiro crudel

But the real value in this Alcina lies in the performances. Cuban-American soprano Lisette Oropesa is brilliant as Alcina, using her narcissism to her bewitch and manipulate. Oropesa has a luminescent tone, control and technique that allows her to pivot between seductiveness and the anger of in Ah! Ruggeiro crudel

Royal Opera House

— London Unattached, November 2022
Despite her cold, Cuban American soprano Lisette Oropesa was still the vocal star of the show. She was brilliant as Alcina, using her narcissism to bewitch and manipulate. Oropesa has a luminescent tone, control and technique that allow her to pivot between seductiveness and the anger of ‘Ah! Ruggeiro crudel’. If there were any vocal frailties, they were not noticeable…

Despite her cold, Cuban American soprano Lisette Oropesa was still the vocal star of the show. She was brilliant as Alcina, using her narcissism to bewitch and manipulate. Oropesa has a luminescent tone, control and technique that allow her to pivot between seductiveness and the anger of ‘Ah! Ruggeiro crudel’. If there were any vocal frailties, they were not noticeable after the first couple of minutes, and her high notes were incandescent.

Royal Opera House

— London Unattached, September 2026
Lisette Oropesa is stunning in the title role as her gorgeous soprano proves particularly adept at capturing the fear and sorrow Alcina feels as her power wanes and forces move against her.

Lisette Oropesa is stunning in the title role as her gorgeous soprano proves particularly adept at capturing the fear and sorrow Alcina feels as her power wanes and forces move against her.

Royal Opera House

— Opera Online, November 2022
For the cast is itself a dream. As slinky Alcina, in a desirable range of LBDs, is the superstar Cuban-American soprano Lisette Oropesa, strutting in her Laboutins as confidently as she soars and swoops through aria after aria with breathtaking ease, every note shot through with colour and personality from the big belter to the faltering whisper.Oropesa was heard last…

For the cast is itself a dream. As slinky Alcina, in a desirable range of LBDs, is the superstar Cuban-American soprano Lisette Oropesa, strutting in her Laboutins as confidently as she soars and swoops through aria after aria with breathtaking ease, every note shot through with colour and personality from the big belter to the faltering whisper.Oropesa was heard last season in two Verdi roles, as innocent Gilda in Rigoletto and worldly Violetta in La Traviata. There seems to be no end to her talents.

Royal Opera House

— Culture Whisper, November 2022
The singing company as a whole stands up to the test. Above all, the star Lisette Oropesa shines, illuminating the evening with a performance of value for control of the vocals and quality of the execution. No signs of insecurity, no nerves tied to her debut in a key role of the Baroque repertoire, a repertoire that Oropesa is successfully…

The singing company as a whole stands up to the test. Above all, the star Lisette Oropesa shines, illuminating the evening with a performance of value for control of the vocals and quality of the execution. No signs of insecurity, no nerves tied to her debut in a key role of the Baroque repertoire, a repertoire that Oropesa is successfully exploring and which we hope she can maintain and expand with ever-increasing stylistic awareness. Granted, Alcina is historically associated with sopranos with a certain vocal depth (primarily Sutherland), but there have been lighter interpreters in recent times. Oropesa has the full range for the role, high notes and overtones that she gifts us in the variations (who knows what she would do with "Tornami a vagheggiar" if the aria were reassigned to the character of Alcina) as well as beautiful mid ranges that she leverages in the recitatives or in jumps. She binds with taste, trills phenomenally, and moves through the ranges of the staff with ease and on well-controlled breaths. Then she captures the character's evolution from sorceress-seductress to wounded woman. Her two arias from the second act steal the scene. She is sorrowful in "Ah, mio cor!" and spirited but without neurotic effects in "Ah! Ruggiero cruel... Pale shadows", where among other things she displays agility spread with great fluidity. She then unleashes all her rage and vengeful tones with a rending of "Ma quando tornerai" musically overwhelming. In "Mi restano le lagrime", Oropesa then expresses well in music, the vulnerability of a woman who knows she has lost her powers.

Royal Opera House

— Conessi all'Opera, November 2022
When an opera has a plot as convoluted and comprehensively daft as Handel’s Alcina, one’s enjoyment depends principally on one thing: how well can the singers sell me their text? Can they take me out of the general state of battiness and transport me to a place where I truly believe the love, the rage or the fear? In the…

When an opera has a plot as convoluted and comprehensively daft as Handel’s Alcina, one’s enjoyment depends principally on one thing: how well can the singers sell me their text? Can they take me out of the general state of battiness and transport me to a place where I truly believe the love, the rage or the fear? In the case of Lisette Oropesa, the answer is a resounding “yes”: if I were an Eskimo and Oropesa was selling fridges, I’d be at the front of the queue!

Leaving aside Oropesa’s technical excellence, it’s the emotional investment that got me every time. Her opening aria “Di', cor mio, quanto t'amai” lifted me far away to a happy land of romance. “Ombre pallide”, the Act 2 closer, had me melting with sympathy – despite this being an evil sorceress complaining to the dark spirits about the loss of her powers.

Oropesa sets the bar so high that you have to feel a level of sympathy for anyone sharing a stage with her

Royal Opera House

— Bachtrack, November 2022
As Alcina, Lisette Oropesa was announced as battling a heavy cold but she was still in commanding form, especially in the showpiece laments of Ah! mio cor and Mi restano le lagrime.

As Alcina, Lisette Oropesa was announced as battling a heavy cold but she was still in commanding form, especially in the showpiece laments of Ah! mio cor and Mi restano le lagrime.

Royal Opera House

— The Times, September 2026
As the sorceress herself, Cuban-American soprano Lisette Oropesa made a welcome return to the House, having wowed audiences last season as a sensational Violetta in La Traviata. Here, she moulded Handel’s vocal lines with care, and invested each of her arias with a rare sense of emotion – ‘Di’, cor mio, quanto t’amai’ was infused with Mediterranean warmth, while ‘Ombre…

As the sorceress herself, Cuban-American soprano Lisette Oropesa made a welcome return to the House, having wowed audiences last season as a sensational Violetta in La Traviata. Here, she moulded Handel’s vocal lines with care, and invested each of her arias with a rare sense of emotion – ‘Di’, cor mio, quanto t’amai’ was infused with Mediterranean warmth, while ‘Ombre pallide’ tugged at the heartstrings. As expected, her coloratura was technically faultless throughout and she embodied Jones’ vision of the character, bold and sassy at the start, yet tinged with sadness by the close, to perfection.

Royal Opera House

— Music OMH, November 2022
Lisetta Oropesa was a magnetic Alcina, relishing the challenges of the role. When the going got tough at the end of Act Two, she responded superbly, giving us a profoundly moving 'Ah, mio cor' and providing vivid theatrical drama in her failed invocation to the spirits. Any production of Alcina requires a title role who can cope with the technical…

Lisetta Oropesa was a magnetic Alcina, relishing the challenges of the role. When the going got tough at the end of Act Two, she responded superbly, giving us a profoundly moving 'Ah, mio cor' and providing vivid theatrical drama in her failed invocation to the spirits. Any production of Alcina requires a title role who can cope with the technical demands and give us theatrical bravura; Oropesa did this brilliantly, whilst rocking a pair of ridiculous heels. Who was this Alcina? We never quite worked that out. She was dressed glamorously, perhaps as some sort of lounge-singer. But as a person, Oropesa made us care for her as her world fell apart.

Royal Opera House

— Planet Hugill, November 2022
Leading a strong cast, most of whom were reprising their roles, was Lisette Oropesa as the eponymous sorceress. It was announced that she had been accosted by a cold, but it had clearly been wrestled into submission because she was in excellent form. One would expect a witch-queen, an early-adopter of Coco Chanel’s dress-code, to be the centre of attention…

Leading a strong cast, most of whom were reprising their roles, was Lisette Oropesa as the eponymous sorceress. It was announced that she had been accosted by a cold, but it had clearly been wrestled into submission because she was in excellent form. One would expect a witch-queen, an early-adopter of Coco Chanel’s dress-code, to be the centre of attention and Oropesa’s tone, phrasing and articulation matched that expectation.

Royal Opera House

— Bachtrack, September 2026
The Cuban-American soprano Lisette Oropesa, as the supreme sorceress, delivered a breath-taking performance. Her "Ah! mio cor" was a moment of absolute grace: voice of silk and steel, floating pianissimos like veils, sparkling coloratura, and an expressiveness that shook the soul. Her embodiment of Alcina oscillated between tragic fury and heartbreaking vulnerability, especially in "Ombre pallide", where her hallucinated dialogue…

The Cuban-American soprano Lisette Oropesa, as the supreme sorceress, delivered a breath-taking performance. Her "Ah! mio cor" was a moment of absolute grace: voice of silk and steel, floating pianissimos like veils, sparkling coloratura, and an expressiveness that shook the soul. Her embodiment of Alcina oscillated between tragic fury and heartbreaking vulnerability, especially in "Ombre pallide", where her hallucinated dialogue with the violins sent shivers through the audience. Her final aria, "Mi restano le lagrime", capable of moving stones to tears, was the most touching moment of the evening and earned her one last ovation.

Opéra Royal du Château de Versailles

— Scherzo Magazine, May 2025
In a mostly international cast, Lisette Oropesa inhabited the title role with enormous style, her creamy tone absolutely suits the part.

In a mostly international cast, Lisette Oropesa inhabited the title role with enormous style, her creamy tone absolutely suits the part.

Royal Opera House

— The Guardian, November 2022
Oropesa, dressed in a sleek, black evening gown, slinks around the stage like Cruella de Ville via Prada. Her coloratura technique is magnificent to behold and, attached to her magnetic presence, exquisitely captures Alcina's manipulative nature, her cruel menace and her final heartbreak.

Oropesa, dressed in a sleek, black evening gown, slinks around the stage like Cruella de Ville via Prada. Her coloratura technique is magnificent to behold and, attached to her magnetic presence, exquisitely captures Alcina's manipulative nature, her cruel menace and her final heartbreak.

Royal Opera House

— Broadway World, September 2026

Famous Interpreters

The role of Alcina in George Frideric Handel's opera "Alcina" was originally performed by the soprano Anna Maria Strada del Pò. The opera premiered on April 16, 1735, at the Covent Garden Theatre in London. Anna Maria Strada del Pò was an Italian soprano who was active in the early 18th century and is known to have been a favored singer of Handel. She performed in several of his operas, including notable roles such as Angelica in "Orlando" and the title role in "Ariodante." Her collaboration with Handel was significant during her career, and she was recognized for her contributions to his works.

In the 20th century, the role of Alcina was notably performed by Joan Sutherland and Renée Fleming, both of whom have documented recordings and performances. Joan Sutherland, active primarily from the 1950s to the 1980s, recorded "Alcina" in 1959, which remains a well-documented interpretation. Renée Fleming, active from the late 20th century into the 21st century, performed Alcina in several notable productions, including a documented performance at the Paris Opera in 1999. Both singers have established reputations in the operatic world, with extensive discographies and numerous accolades, although specific assessments of their interpretations of Alcina are beyond the scope of documented factual analysis.

About the Composer

George Frideric Handel, born in 1685 in Halle, Germany, was a Baroque composer renowned for his operatic and oratorio masterpieces. Trained in Italy and later settling in London, Handel's style combined German, Italian, and English influences, crafting music of emotional depth and dramatic flair. "Alcina," premiered in 1735 at the Covent Garden Theatre in London, is one of Handel's celebrated operas. He composed it during a time when his operatic ventures were competing with the rising popularity of English ballad operas. "Alcina" stands out for its enchanting portrayal of magic and transformation, drawing inspiration from Ludovico Ariosto's epic poem "Orlando Furioso." Handel's sophisticated vocal writing in "Alcina" showcases his ability to illuminate characters' psychological complexities through music. He masterfully utilized the da capo aria format, allowing singers to express nuanced emotions and demonstrate virtuosic techniques. This opera exemplifies Handel's genius in blending theatrical drama with exquisite melodic invention, ensuring its timeless appeal to opera aficionados.