Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria at the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence

Fans of epic poetry, here is the perfect show for you…! In July 2024, the Festival d’Art Lyrique d’Aix-en-Provence is offering you the opportunity to join Ulysses as his travelling companion on the return leg of his legendary Odyssey, entirely within the walls of the charming Théâtre du Jeu de Paume. A fascinating journey is promised with Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria - headed by excellent conductor Leonardo Garcia Alarcón and his ensemble Cappella Mediterranea, specialists in Italian baroque music, this performance will be a sumptuous delight for the eyes and ears.

Alarcón continues his legacy of greatness within the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, having previously paid tribute Monteverdi’s other works in the Festival d’Art Lyrique, such as L'incoronazione di Poppea and L'Orfeo. Assuming the role of Homer’s epic hero is John Brancy, whose exquisite baritone voice reaches its full potential in this scintillating tribute. For the role of Penelope, mezzo-soprano Deepa Johnny takes the baton. Set against Pierre Audi’s magical staging, audiences will be held captive by the reunion of this mythical couple, as the characters oscillate between moments of palpable intimacy and isolating mystery….
The Festival d’Aix is always full of surprises, legendary journeys, and beautiful reunions - and Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria is certainly no exception!

It promises to be a superb journey, especially as the conductor of this Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria is the great conductor Leonardo Garcia Alarcón and his ensemble Cappella Mediterranea, who specialize in baroque music, particularly Italian. He continues his Monteverdi cycle begun in 2022 in Aix-en-Provence with the Coronation of Poppea and L'Orfeo.
In the role of Homer's hero, John Brancy with his beautiful baritone voice. The role of Penelope is played by mezzo-soprano Deepa Johnny.
Pierre Audi's staging is bound to keep us on the edge of our seats as we prepare for the reunion of this mythical couple, between intimate palpitations and the mystery of the characters.

Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria is just one of prolific Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi’s beloved baroque opera pieces. First performed in 1640, the story is based on an episode of the Odyssey, in which our hero Ulysses returns to Ithaca after the Trojan War.

Monteverdi’s signature musical style is characteristic of the Baroque period and regularly features recitar cantando, a technique in which the vocal lines more closely imitate the prosody of spoken speech. Harmonic richness, expressive dissonance, and subtle orchestrations coalesce to create incredible depth within this timeless work.

Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria continues to be performed on stages across the world and remains a firm favourite amongst many opera fans, largely on account of its artistic singularity. Monteverdi’s unique ability to portray the psychology of his characters is an unparalleled feat, and wows audiences to this day. Discover Ulysses’ great return in the beautiful Théâtre du Jeu de Paume in Aix-en-Provence this summer!