This Spring, Lyric Opera of Melbourne will present George Frideric Händel’s Serse at the Gasworks Theatre as the centrepiece of the company’s 2026 Season.
Widely regarded as one of Händel’s 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 Händel’s most captivating music.
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’s foremost interpreters of Baroque repertoire, Sally-Anne Russell, making her role debut as the impulsive Persian king.
Russell previously performed the role of Amastre in Serse with both the Victorian State Opera and Oper Köln 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.
Lyric Opera of Melbourne continues its commitment to presenting ambitious chamber opera, bringing together exceptional Australian artists to explore some of opera’s most compelling works.
Artistic Director Patrick Burns said Serse perfectly captures everything that makes Händel’s operas so enduring. “Serse is one of Händel’s most inspired creations. It is endlessly inventive, with a score that moves effortlessly between moments of sublime beauty and brilliantly observed comedy,” said Burns.
“Händel 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’t wait for Melbourne audiences to experience this remarkable work,” said Burns.
Sally-Anne Russell said she was delighted to make her role debut in one of Händel’s most beloved operas. “Having previously performed Amastre many years ago, it’s a joy to return to Serse from an entirely new perspective,” she said.
“Händel creates characters who are by turns vulnerable, absurd and deeply moving, and it’s a privilege to now explore the title role. I’m thrilled to be sharing this extraordinary work with such a wonderful cast,” said Russell.
Following acclaimed productions including Biographica, The Children’s Bach and last year’s Song from the Uproar: The Lives and Deaths of Isabelle Eberhardt, Serse continues Lyric Opera of Melbourne’s commitment to presenting ambitious chamber opera with Australia’s finest artists. Performance Details
Händel – Serse
Gasworks Theatre, 21 Graham Street, Albert Park
Season: 10 – 13 September 2026
Bookings: www.gasworks.org.au
For more information, visit: www.lyricopera.com.au for details.
Image: Sally-Anne Russell set to star in Lyric Opera of Melbourne’s Serse (supplied)