The Biblical story of Belshazzar's hubristic arrogance, set against the valour of the young warrrior-leader Cyrus, provided the 20-year-old Rossini with a dramatic story enriched by West-Eastern implications which still speak to us today. For the title role of Cyrus, Rossini wrote what would be his longest-ever contralto role, to which the great Rossini singer Ewa Podles´ is both naturally attracted and ideally suited. She is partnered by two young stars of Rossini singing, Jessica Pratt and Michael Spyres, and a conductor-scholar, Will Crutchfield, of great experience and sympathy. Filmed in High Definition and recorded in true Surround Sound.
Davide Livermore
Director
Francesco Aventi
Writer
Michael Spyres
Baldassare
Ewa Podleś
Ciro
Jessica Pratt
Amira
Carmen Romeu
Argene
Mirco Palazzi
Zambri
Robert McPherson
Arbace
Raffaele Costantin
Daniello
Will Crutchfield
Conductor
