CMU School of Drama


Friday, July 14, 2017

Pittsburgh Festival Opera opens Handel’s Comic Opera XERXES

'Burgh Vivant: George Frideric Handel’s opera “Xerxes” defies some of the preconceived notions audiences might have about the great Persian ruler, often billed as the “king of kings.” For one, who would have thought to create a comic opera about so august a historical figure?

Most times, persons of Xerxes rank are given the demigod treatment. Who would dare to tarnish the heroic image of one so high in the Pantheon of human history with such banal and cavalier treatment?

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