Details

With glittering vocal showpieces and moving arias, Handel's slant on the perils of romantic love juxtaposes the heroic and the comic, the serious and the playful. A Persian Ruler's infatuation is triggered by the singing of his general's daughter. So instead of concentrating on his planned campaign against the Greeks, Xerxes prefers to focus on the sexual conquest of his brother's beloved - with unexpected results. Sung in English with English surtitles. Running time: 3hrs 30mins

Cast/Performers

Alice Coote (Xerxes), Andrew Watts (Arsamenes), Sarah Tynan (Romilda), Rhian Lois (Atalanta), Catherine Young (Amastris), Adrian Powter (Elviro), Neal Davies (Ariodates)

Creatives/Company

Author: Handel
Lyrics: Minato
Company: English National Opera
Conductor: Michael Hofstetter
Director(s): Nicholas Hytner, Michael Walling (revival)
Design: David Fielding
Lighting: Paul Pyant
Other(s): Nicolo Minato (librettist), Silvio Stampiglia (librettist - revised)
Translation: Nicholas Hytner