Based on a ponderous libretto by Metastasio (who considered it “stellar”) Leonardo Vinci’s dramma per musica was premièred in Venice in 1726 and hailed a triumph. Since then, Siroe, Re di Persia has been set to music by composers such as Vivaldi, Handel, Hasse and Galuppi, to name just a few.

The story uses some of the elements of the plot of Partenope, almost as if it were a sequel moved to Persia. Siroe’s plot revolves around a family intrigue mingled with passions, traitors en travesti, fatherly affection and filial honesty, echoing Shakespeare’s King Lear.

Performed in a concert version at Teatro San Carlo of Naples in 2018, this rare opera was chosen to open the theatre’s 281st season under the baton of Antonio Florio, who is a specialist in Neapolitan Baroque repertoire and who revised the score.

“Roberta Invernizzi’s voice embraces nuance, agility and coloratura … Carlo Alemanno’s singing is strong, dark and vibrant. He’s able to perform with well focused agility and is secure in both the lower and highest parts of his range.” – Connessi all’Opera.it

Cast:
- Cosroe: Carlo Allemano
- Siroe: Cristina Alunno
- Medarse: Leslie Visco
- Emira: Roberta Invernizzi
- Laodice: Daniela Salvo
- Arasse: Luca Cervoni

Recorded date & place: November 2018 – Teatro di San Carlo, Naples Italy
Duration: 159 min.
Notes: Italian, English