Autumn 2026 will be all about RODRIGO by G.F. Händel.
This very imporant story about how conquering ones own EGO is the biggest victory of all is a very important story to tell right now in a time of global unrest.
UPDATE march 2026: RODRIGO IS FULLY CAST!
The story in a nutshell:
The opera is set in Spain during the reign of King Rodrigo, who has seized the throne by killing his rival, Vitizza. Since then, Rodrigo’s conduct has deteriorated sharply: he has abandoned his loyal wife, Esilena, and had an affair with Florinda, the sister of Giuliano. Florinda is pregnant with his child and demands that Rodrigo honor his promise to marry her. Rodrigo, however, no longer intends to keep his word.
Giuliano, outraged by the dishonor done to his family, joins the rebels. The uprising is led by Evanco, the son of the murdered Vitizza, who holds the rightful claim to the Spanish throne. Fernando, a treacherous courtier, also plays a double game as he seeks to benefit from the power struggle.
When war breaks out with full force, Rodrigo suffers a crushing defeat and is taken prisoner. Florinda is about to kill him in revenge, but Esilena steps forward. She begs Florinda to show mercy and demonstrates that she is even willing to give up her own position in order to restore peace and protect Florinda’s child. Her nobility of spirit moves Florinda deeply.
Rodrigo expresses remorse and acknowledges his guilt. In the end, it is decided that Evanco will take up the kingship. He marries Florinda, ensuring a legitimate future for her son. Rodrigo relinquishes his power and is spared.
The opera concludes with reconciliation, a new ruler, and the hope of a more just era.
TEAM:
Jörn Boysen: Musical Director
Meneka Senn : Producer / Director
Saskia Pfaeltzer: Set design
Gregor Lamers: Production leader on location
Sjoerd van de Velde: set and prop building
Participants who take on a role in Rodrigo invest 900,-
They get an unique experience of working together with like minded artists in a changing cultural landscape. They receive coaching on text, music, recitative and diction, acting class, a full production with costumes / props / set and a tour to diffferent venues in the Netherands where they can perform their role. The participants will also work together as a group to bring their Art to the world through various PR and promotional events. The premieres in Amsterdam will be recorded and edited by professionals and all participants have full acces to those materials which they could use for their own self promotion.
We aim for every cast to be able to perform their studied role at least 3 times. Participants can also be asked to perform in various promotional concerts.
Timeline:
Start project: september 12th 2026
premiere: september 25&26 2026
Last performance: november 26 2026
Questions? Get in touch with us!
Want to join this adventure? Send us your material and a motivational letter why you think you would be suitable for a role in Rodrigo and why you are an compassionate group player that would feel at home in our collective.
Send your materials to: join.yalamusic@gmail.com before march 1st 2026.
If you are interested to see what the Yala Music Opera Collective did in 2025, look at its website: www.operacollective.nl
all pictures by Jean van Lingen