Pacific Opera Project (POP) is the focus of today’s Beautiful Music. They will present the U.S. premiere of a little-known 1723 opera by Antonio Vivaldi, postponed from . Recently rediscovered in libraries in Münster, Paris, and Turin, Ercole su’l Termodonte is based on the ninth Labor of Hercules. When Ercole su’l Termodonte premiered in Rome, the Pope had imposed a ban on women performing in operas, so the cast featured seven castrati and one tenor. Los Angeles-based POP (mercifully!) is NOT following that precedent — their 8-show production of Ercole su’l Termodonte will be performed at Highland Park Ebell Club from January 6 – 21.. Below you can watch their podcast about the long-forgotten Vivaldi opera, as well as an aria from the opera performed by Kyle Naig (who will conduct POP’s production) and soprano Sara LeMesh.