The In Series Presents: The Tale of Serse

Discover the beauty and lightness-of-being of Baroque opera with Handel’s heartful and lyrical Serse, composed just three years before his famed Messiah. The history and legend of ancient Persia interweave in this tale of a king and his brother, both in love with the same woman. Opening with Handel’s famous ‘largo,’ Serse was composed to revolutionize opera of the time so it would connect more directly with its audiences. A new narration, crafted from the 13th century Sufi poetry of Rumi, connects us today with this magnetic and visionary score through one of the most beloved poets of all time. With The Tale of Serse, In Series announces the premiere of its own orchestra Innovātiō, performing on period instruments under the direction of conductor and adapter Timothy Nelson.