Opera on 3 - Keiser's The Fortunes of King Croesus

Keiser's The Fortunes of King Croesus Christopher Cook introduces a performance from Opera North in Leeds of a rarely heard 18th century German opera by Reinhard Keiser, an early contemporary of Handel. Croesus tells of a rich and powerful monarch who falls from power and forfeits his fortune. It was a huge success in its day propelled by Keiser's great gift for melody. In this new production, devised by director Tim Albery with conductor Harry Bicket, it is performed in English and features celebrated American male soprano Michael Maniaci in his UK debut role. Croesus, King of Lydia ...... Paul Nilon (tenor) Atis, Croesus' son ...... Michael Maniaci (male soprano) Halimacus, confidant to Atis ...... Stephen Wallace (countertenor) Orsanes, in love with Elmira ...... William Dazeley (baritone) Clerida, in love with Orsanes ...... Fflur Wyn (soprano) Eliates, in love with Clerida ...... Mark le Brocq (tenor) Elcius, a bon viveur ...... John Graham-Hall (tenor) Queen of Media ...... Susan Lees (soprano) Elmira, her daughter ...... Gillian Keith (soprano) Trigesta, her lady-in-waiting ...... Sarah Pring (mezzo-soprano) Cyrus, King of Persia ...... Henry Waddington (baritone) Persian Captain ...... Paul Gibson (baritone) Solon, A Greek Philosopher ...... Eric Roberts (baritone) Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North Harry Bicket (conductor).