![\"Sally-Anne](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Sally-Anne-Russell-set-to-star-in-Lyric-Opera-of-Melbournes-Serse.jpg\")
This Spring, Lyric Opera of Melbourne will present George Frideric H\u00e4ndel\u2019s Serse at the Gasworks Theatre as the centrepiece of the company\u2019s 2026 Season.<\/p>\nThis Spring, Lyric Opera of Melbourne will present George Frideric H\u00e4ndel\u2019s Serse at the Gasworks Theatre as the centrepiece of the company\u2019s 2026 Season.<\/p>\n
Widely regarded as one of H\u00e4ndel\u2019s finest operas, Serse combines exquisite lyricism with sparkling comedy, turning the conventions of opera seria delightfully on their head. From the celebrated opening aria Ombra mai fu to its joyous finale, the work is filled with memorable characters, mistaken identities, romantic intrigue and some of H\u00e4ndel\u2019s most captivating music.<\/p>\n
Serse brings together an outstanding cast of Australian artists in a vibrant new production directed by Beng Oh and conducted by Artistic Director Patrick Burns. Leading the cast is one of Australia\u2019s foremost interpreters of Baroque repertoire, Sally-Anne Russell, making her role debut as the impulsive Persian king.<\/p>\n
Russell previously performed the role of Amastre in Serse with both the Victorian State Opera and Oper K\u00f6ln in Germany, and is joined by an exceptional cast featuring Naomi Flatman as Arsamene, Olivia Federow-Yemm as Amastre, Kate Amos as Romilda, Rebecca Rashleigh as Atalanta, Christopher Hillier as Ariodate, and Luke Belle as Elviro.<\/p>\n
Lyric Opera of Melbourne continues its commitment to presenting ambitious chamber opera, bringing together exceptional Australian artists to explore some of opera\u2019s most compelling works.<\/p>\n
Artistic Director Patrick Burns said Serse perfectly captures everything that makes H\u00e4ndel\u2019s operas so enduring. \u201cSerse is one of H\u00e4ndel\u2019s most inspired creations. It is endlessly inventive, with a score that moves effortlessly between moments of sublime beauty and brilliantly observed comedy,\u201d said Burns.<\/p>\n
\u201cH\u00e4ndel writes characters who are wonderfully complex and deeply human, which means this opera demands artists who are not only exceptional musicians, but compelling storytellers. We are incredibly fortunate to have assembled a cast that embodies both qualities, and I can\u2019t wait for Melbourne audiences to experience this remarkable work,\u201d said Burns.<\/p>\n
Sally-Anne Russell said she was delighted to make her role debut in one of H\u00e4ndel\u2019s most beloved operas. \u201cHaving previously performed Amastre many years ago, it\u2019s a joy to return to Serse from an entirely new perspective,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cH\u00e4ndel creates characters who are by turns vulnerable, absurd and deeply moving, and it\u2019s a privilege to now explore the title role. I\u2019m thrilled to be sharing this extraordinary work with such a wonderful cast,\u201d said Russell.<\/p>\n
Following acclaimed productions including Biographica, The Children\u2019s Bach and last year\u2019s Song from the Uproar: The Lives and Deaths of Isabelle Eberhardt, Serse continues Lyric Opera of Melbourne\u2019s commitment to presenting ambitious chamber opera with Australia\u2019s finest artists. Performance Details<\/p>\n
H\u00e4ndel \u2013 Serse
Gasworks Theatre, 21 Graham Street, Albert Park
Season: 10 \u2013 13 September 2026
Bookings: www.gasworks.org.au<\/a><\/p>\n