The NBR New Zealand Opera in association with the Auckland Arts Festival present:
XERXES
Handel’s most popular opera, Xerxes is praised for its beautiful melodies and admired for its innovative blend of comedy and tragedy. Including one of opera’s most beautiful and recognisable arias, the famous Largo, Xerxes demonstrates why Handel is considered one of the truly great opera composers of all time.
Xerxes will be the first professional, fully-staged Handel opera to be presented to New Zealand audiences. Funny, poignant and fast moving, with timeless themes of love, rivalry and vices being overcome by courage and loyalty, Xerxes resonates with contemporary audiences around the world.
Led by Germany’s Wolfgang Katschner, the exquisite period ensemble, Lautten Compagney, bring an assured authenticity to Handel’s early music sound. Performing with this award winning orchestra is a stellar cast including Tobias Cole (counter tenor) singing the part of Xerxes and Tiffany Speight (soprano) in the role of Romilda. Roger Hodgman is directing, with John Verryt behind the set design. Glamour and opulence are prerequisites to capture the true essence of a Handel opera and the cast will be stepping out in fabulous costumes designed by fashion icon, Trelise Cooper. A co-production with Victorian Opera and in association with New Zealand Opera
