The Classical Opera Company returns to Sadler's Wells with a production of Mozart's remarkable Mitridate, re di Ponto, written when the composer was only fourteen years old. The opera is based on Racine’s great tragedy Mithridate, and the plot concerns the tensions between infatuated love, filial duty and the lust for power.

Though the work's premiere in Milan in 1770 was a sensational success – several numbers were encored, and there were cries from the gallery of "Viva il Maestro, viva il Maestrino!" – the singers were initially distrustful of the young composer, and forced him to jettison seven original settings before the premiere.

The Classical Opera Company, has recreated an 'original' version of the opera which reinstates this music, and this exciting production will present these ideas in their intended dramatic context for the first time.

The production will be conducted by the Classical Opera Company's founder and artistic director, Ian Page, and directed by Martin Lloyd-Evans. The designer will be Simon Corder. The outstanding cast includes includes acclaimed soprano Allison Bell as Aspasia,  Royal Opera Young Artist graduate Kishani Jayasinghe as Sifare, counter tenor Stephen Wallace as the evil Farnace and tenor Mark Le Brocq in the title role. The opera is accompanied by The Classical Opera Company's vibrant period-instrument orchestra.