Performer: Sebastian Geyer

Paula Murrihy's role debut in Frankfurt not only proves to be infatuating, but also irresistibly cool.

L'Orontea was premièred as turbulent Carneval entertainment in 1656. Now it is experiencing a fast-paced new staging as modern opera gag at Frankfurt Opera.

Twenty-eight immobile cast members faced the audience from the long white bench which comprised the totality of Katrin Lea Tag’s bare set. Meanwhile, a floor-level, period instrument orchestra delivered the attention-grabbing, minor key Overture to Purcell's 1688 Dido and Aeneas.