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Enriching lives with rare and reimagined operatic experiences.
Established in 2003, Lyric Opera of Melbourne is a bold, creative opera company committed to developing operatic artists, building new audiences and enriching the operatic repertoire by creating a forum for the production of lesser-known works. Lyric's work is focused on producing innovative and exploratory music-based theatre, using contemporary practices that challenge, engage and inspire artists and audiences alike.
Serse
Royal Drama. Romantic Chaos. Pure Comedy.
Blending moments of tragedy with razor-sharp comedy, Serse overturns the conventions of opera seria to deliver a delightfully unpredictable evening of romance, rivalry, and intrigue.
Follow the infatuated Persian King Xerxes (Serse) as his obsession with a plane tree gives way to a chaotic pursuit of a woman who loves his brother. Filled with mistaken intentions, shifting allegiances, and comic misunderstandings, Händel’s masterpiece culminates in one of opera’s most entertaining finales. The score also features one of classical music’s most beloved melodies, the celebrated aria “Ombra mai fu”.
Directed by Beng Oh, and starring Sally-Anne Russell in the title role, alongside a cast of some of Melbourne’s finest singers, this fresh production brings Händel’s irresistible comic opera to life.
Cast:
Serse - Sally-Anne Russell
Arsamene - Naomi Flatman
Amastre - Olivia Federow-Yemm
Romilda - Kate Amos
Atalanta - Rebecca Rashleigh
Ariodate - Christopher Hillier
Elviro - Luke Belle
The Age
Biographica, 2023
'Utterly captivating… Biographica is high art that successfully reflects on the past while offering a glimpse of opera’s future.'
Limelight
Biographica, 2023
‘...a significant achievement... Biographica is a fascinating, refreshingly different contemporary opera presented with intelligence and talent'
Limelight
Song from the Uproar, 2025
'Congratulations to them for helping to keep opera alive with a fresh work on note...'
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