Xerxes

Presented by The NBR New Zealand Opera

Handel’s Xerxes is an engaging comedy that traces the crazy trajectory of thwarted passions when two brothers and two sisters become rivals in love.

The opera features a stream of gorgeous melodies, including one of the world's most beautiful and recognisable arias, the famous 'Largo' or 'Ombra mai fu'. The exciting early music sound is authentically brought to life by Wolfgang Katschner and his acclaimed German orchestra the Lautten Compagney.

At the centre of all the action is Australian counter tenor Tobias Cole as Xerxes and soprano Tiffany Speight as Romilda. English counter tenor William Purefoy takes the role of Arsamene and we welcome back Kiwi mezzo-soprano Kristen Darragh as Amastre. Australian Roger Hodgman is directing, and we are thrilled to announce that Kiwi superstar designer Trelise Cooper has created the stunning costumes for the production, with set design by John Verryt.

Accompanied by the Lautten Compagney
with the Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus

A co-production with Victorian Opera
In association with the Auckland Arts Festival

Sung in Italian with an English translation projected on screens above the stage so you can easily follow the story.

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