Canadian soprano Layla Claire steps on stage this week for the first time in a Handel role, appearing as Tusnelda in his Arminio at the Händelfestspiele Karlsruhe. Conducted by George Petrou, the six performances run between 13 and 23 February.

Layla has also recently worked with George Petrou on the first-ever complete recording of the same work for Decca, due for international release on 25 March 2016.

Another first this season is Layla’s Salzburger Festspiele debut this summer, as Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni) under Alain Altinoglu.