Semele

Semele is the fullest expression of the oratorio form which is a feature of Handel’s last compositions. In the early 1740s, Italian opera in London fell out of fashion just as Handel was embarking on his final works. He composed Saul, L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, The Messiah, and Samson. Semele was his last oratorio in 1744 and was performed as written, without any staging or set, using the large choruses typical of the genre. However, a leopard does not change its spots, and everything about Semele shrieks opera, from the tragi-comic libretto and clever succession of scenes to the virtuosity of the arias for soloists. This is an opera that dare not speak its name, but which upholds the legacy of a lifetime of composition.
Emmanuelle Haïm is well-versed in Handel, a composer whose works she has conducted for many years. In fact, she made her conducting debut here in January 2002 with a Handel programme (Apollo e Dafne and Il Delirio amoroso). This was followed by performances Europe-wide of Dixit Dominus, Tamerlano, Theodora, Il Trionfo, The Messiah, Charpentier, Lully, and even Mozart, (including a recent Semele at the Lille Opera House). Alice Coote’s Juno will make life difficult for lovers Ben Bliss (Jupiter) and Semele (Pretty Yende) right up until the final dénouement. A masterclass in vocal quality to be savoured wholeheartedly.

NOUVELLE PRODUCTION
Coproduction Théâtre des Champs-Elysées | Covent Garden Royal Opera House 
Mediawan, mécène de l’opéra Semele