Performance / Xerxes
- Queen of the Whole Universe
- Sing Out Choral Concert
- Fairy Stories
- The Idea Of America
- Tomboi
- Confessions of a Drag Queen
- Drumdrag
- Mates & Lovers
- Xerxes
Xerxes - NZ Opera Presents Brotherly Loathe
Dates & Times:
Tuesday 15 March 2011, 7:30pm
Wednesday 16 March 2011, 6:00pm
Friday 18 March 2011, 7:30pm
Saturday 19 March 2011, 7:30pm
Duration: 2 hours and 55 minutes (including 20 minute interval)
Xerxes traces the crazy trajectory of thwarted passion when two brothers and two sisters become rivals in love. Handel keeps us guessing by combining comic and tragic characters – one minute we’re laughing at the all-powerful king who has been trumped by his own brother and the next we are on the edge of our seats as his misery turns to cold fury and he searches for a scapegoat.
The themes of love, rivalry and vices being overcome by courage and loyalty are timeless and so is the music: Xerxes features one of opera’s most beautiful and recognisable arias, Ombra mai fu, better known as Handel’s Largo.
In this sensational co-production with Victorian Opera, Australian counter tenor Tobias Cole and soprano Tiffany Speight sing Xerxes and Romilda. English counter tenor William Purefoy takes the role of Arsamene and we welcome back local mezzo-soprano Kristen Darragh as Amastre. Australian Roger Hodgman directed, with Germany’s Wolfgang Katschner conducting his award-winning Baroque orchestra the Lautten Compagney. Kiwi superstar designer Trelise Cooper created the stunning costumes for the production.
With the Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus
Accompanied by the Lautten Compagney
A co-production with Victorian Opera
In association with the Auckland Arts Festival
Sung in Italian with English surtitles
For futher information see the NZ Opera website or email NZ Opera
Acknowledgement: All Materials – Courtesy of NZ Opera.
NZO reserves the right to change artists without prior notice.
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