A forbidden tryst between god and mortal attracts the attention of Juno, who sets about to teach her unfaithful husband, Jupiter, and human lover, Semele, a lesson. The mortal princess Semele is unknowing “out of her league” as she is taken in by Juno’s cunning and attempts to command her lover Jupiter to reveal himself in his godly form, despite his desperate attempts to bring the princess to her senses. Telling the tale of a short and fiery affair, Handel’s Semele will transport audiences to the world of Greek mythology and the larger-than-life personas of its central figures.

 

 

Director: Julia Burbach
Designer: Cécile Trémolières
Production: Zhang Huan
Continuo Group: UK sourced from the Monteverdi Orchestra (cello and harpsichordist)
Jane Archibald (Semele)
Hugo Hymas (Jupiter)
Peter Rose (Cadmus+Somnus)
Carlo Vistoli (Athamas)
Christine Rice (Juno+Ino)
Milly Forrest (Iris)
Shanghai Symphony Orchestra
Chorus: English Voices (Chorus Director: Tim Brown)

 

Handel: Semele. HWV58