Betrayal, revenge, inheritance conflicts and forbidden love at the Persian court: in 1728 this explosive mixture inspired Handel to compose the successful opera Siroe, Re di Persia, one of his last compositions for the Royal Academy of Music at the King’s Theatre.

Handel based his work on the libretto by the famous poet Pietro Metastasio. In its first season, 'Siroe' was performed on 18 successive evenings, but was never subsequently revived in Handel’s lifetime. It received its first modern performance in Göttingen with a top-rank cast performing under the musical direction of Laurence Cummings.

Booklet notes are by David Vickers.

'Siroe' is the start of a new co-operation with the International Handel Festival Göttingen and Accent Records. It is planned to release two operas and one oratorio per year.

"Göttingen Festival has always been lucky in having inspirational and influential figures at the helm, with Nic McGegan and Eliot Gardiner among their previous artistic directors. It seems they’ve been equally lucky securing Laurence Cummings in the role now; not only is he clearly warmly accepted by festival regulars and locals, he has the connections to put together a fantastic programme of internationally renowned performers and a relentless energy that supports this most special and unique of Handel Festivals – get there next year if you can, I can promise you won’t regret it!" - Early Music Today

Cast:
- Siroe: Yosemeh Adjei (countertenor)
- Emira: Anna Dennis (soprano)
- Laodice: Aleksandra Zamojska (soprano)
- Medarse: Antonio Giovannini (countertenor)
- Cosroe: Lisandro Abadie (bass)
- Arasse: Ross Ramgobin (bass)