Be dazzled by Semele, Handel’s sensuous drama of desire, ambition, and self-delusion, in a first-time collaboration between BACH and MIOpera, Central Illinois' premiere professional opera company.
MIOpera will provide stunning costumes, innovative staging, and breathtaking soloists to tell the witty but tragic story. BACH will supply the dramatic choruses, with instrumental accompaniment.
Highlights include Jupiter’s iconic "Where'er you walk," Semele's glittering "Endless pleasure," and her virtuosic "Myself I shall adore," a showstopping aria of self-obsession — remarkably relevant in the age of the selfie.
Presented in Normal on November 7 at 7:00 pm, and in Urbana on November 8 at 4:00 pm.
Running time is approximately 2.5 hours, with one 10-minute intermission.
Sung in English, with surtitles
TICKETS
General Admission
$25 adults / $10 students
Paige Calvert as Semele and Iris; Macauley Allen as Jupiter; Sidney Megeff as Ino and Juno; Bryce Zimmerman as Athamas
CAST
Cadmus, Semele’s Father: O. Neal Medina, bass
Semele, Daughter to Cadmus: Paige Calvert, soprano
Ino, Sister of Semele: Sidney Megeff, mezzo soprano
Athamas, Semele’s Fiancé: Bryce Zimmerman, countertenor
Somnus, God of Sleep: O. Neal Medina, bass
Jupiter (Jove)/Apollo, King of the Gods: Macauley Allen, tenor
Juno, Queen of the Gods: Sidney Megeff, mezzo soprano
Iris, Juno’s Servant: Paige Calvert, soprano
Cupid, God of Love: Alesia Wall, soprano
