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.

Michael Spyres
as Baldassare

Ewa Podleś
as Ciro

Jessica Pratt
as Amira

Carmen Romeu
as Argene

Mirco Palazzi
as Zambri

Robert McPherson
as Arbace

Raffaele Costantin
as Daniello

Will Crutchfield
as Conductor