There will be fireworks as well as five operas to see

THE biggest celebration of George Frideric Handel's operatic work is coming to Exeter to mark the 250th anniversary of the composer's death.

Handelfest involves five fully staged opera productions as well as a comprehensive series of recitals, talks and masterclasses.

The five operas by the Baroque musician, who was born in Germany, trained in Italy and spent most of his life in England, span the complete range of his subject and style. They are being staged throughout next week at Exeter Northcott.

It all starts on Tuesday with Flavio, a rarely performed comedy that was written in 1724. The uplifting production, performed in period costume, starts with a gruesome knife fight and ends with a jubilant double wedding.

Teseo, from 1713, is a depiction of passion in all its forms, being staged on Wednesday, November 4.

French in style, the opera is composed of short arias and ensembles, sung in Italian with words projected in English.

In Tolomeo, on Thursday, November 5, a character overcomes every possible trial because of his belief in humanity. The modern-day production of this 1728 opera has a gentle quality, though its story of faithful love in the face of crushing odds is harrowing.

In Ariodante, on Friday, November 6, a young girl is cast out by her father, husband-to-be and friends because of false rumours. This 1735 piece, set on the wintry Scottish coast, is opera on a grand scale.

The spellbinding Alcina, on Saturday, November 7, is a 1735 opera about an enchantress, who exacts lonely, futile revenge when her mortal lover rejects her.

Handelfest is being presented by English Touring Opera, and features some local talent.

The company's general director, James Conway, said: "To stage five operas in five nights and then tour them is unprecedented, but it's a fantastic way to celebrate the Handel anniversary and showcase a high point in the history of British opera.

"As always we have some extraordinary talent working with us and I can't think of a better way to celebrate our 30th anniversary than bringing together that talent in an ambitious project to mark a titan of British opera."

The company has cast two young singers from Exeter to play the parts of Medea's children in Teseo. Christina Smith, 12, and Katy Orford, 13, are preparing to make their operatic debuts on the big stage.

Also singing in the production is Exeter University Choir, directed by Marion Wood. The university's director of music is also behind Digital Fireworks on Thursday, November 5.

This spectacular audio-visual event takes place after the performance of Tolomeo, at 9.45pm in the Exeter Northcott café bar.

An array of images will be set to an arrangement of Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks, performed by Exeter University students.

The operas start at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £17 to £30, with half price concessions. Details: 01392 493493.