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Handel's Semele
2008
A Baroque opera described at its premier as "no oratorio, but a bawdy opera!"
This is a tale of human frailty and of love destroyed by jealousy and ambition. William Congreve's libretto tells the tale of the beautiful mortal, Semele, whose short but spectacular love affair with Jupiter, King of the Gods, comes to a terrifying end due to her own vanity, and the plotting of Jupiter's jealous wife, Juno.
Written at the peak of Handel's powers, the opera is crammed with his most ravishing music; spectacular orchestral numbers and powerful choruses combine with heart stopping arias, including the exquisite, 'Where'er you walk'.
Semele and gods
Cadmus, Ino, Semele, Apollo, Jupiter and Iris
David Hunter - Photography
Cast list:
To view cast details click here
Semele: (Daughter to Cadmus, in love with Jupiter): Kay Deeming
Juno: (Jupiter's wife): Rachel Bosanko
Ino: (Sister to Semele in love with Athamus): Sue Lancaster
Iris: (Confidante of Juno): Cheryl Brendish
Cupid: Phillippa Lusty
Jupiter: (King of the Gods): Steven Phillips
High Priest/Cadmus: (King of Thebes): John Beazley
Somnus: John Hobbs
Athamus: (Prince of Boatia, betrothed to Semele): Tim Carleston
Apollo: Bruce Cross
Director: Simon Harvey
Musical Director: Paul Drayton
Choreographer: Helen Tiplady
Designer: Kathy Brown |
