Two major figures in Italian culture have inspired the Muziektheater Transparant team in particular to create Orlando: Antonio Vivaldi and his work, and Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso. Of the different plots in Ariosto’s masterpiece, scenographer Wouter Van Looy chose the story of Orlando’s return and imagined a new scenario. Inspired by the brilliant themes of Antonio Vivaldi’s operas, concerti and religious works, Jan Van Outryve created a contemporary composition for two singers and a surprising instrumental ensemble including strings, an accordion, a Hammond organ and percussions. The result is a modern oratorio for adolescents which speaks of the great ideals of man and his desire for love in a bitter context of religious wars and social decline.