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Semele

Handel
4 August – 3 September 2022

Moral fable or “bawdy play”, Handel’s Semele contains some of his most lyrical arias and dramatic choruses. Part opera, part oratorio, its unique mixture of tragedy and comedy makes Semele one of the richest and most compelling of all Handel’s compositions for the stage.

Synopsis

“There was once a king named Cadmus, and he had two daughters – Semele and Ino.
Cadmus decided that Semele should marry Athamos, a young prince.
Athamos loved Semele.
But, unknown to all, Semele was already the lover of Jupiter, father of the gods.
Her sister Ino loved Athamos, but she kept that to herself.
Cadmus insisted the marriage go ahead.
Semele resisted.
Athamos despaired.
Ino suffered in silence.
Then Juno, wife of Jupiter, discovered her husband’s infidelity, and set out to exact her revenge …”

Dates & Venues

→ 4, 5, 7 August – Kilkenny Arts Festival, Watergate Theatre

→ 2, 3 September – Pavilion Theatre Dun Laoghaire

Press

“Very entertaining; attractive to look at… terrific singing.”
Irish Examiner ****

“Soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson rides the rocketing vocal fireworks of her role and impresses, too, in the more intimate moments.”
Michael Dervan, Irish Times 

“Paul Keogan’s elegant art deco set is reinforced by Catherine Fay’s fabulous costumes, mostly monochrome, with the exception of a dazzling red frock.”
Cathy Desmond, Irish Examiner 

“All the singing and acting was outstanding, with Kelli-Ann Masterson a remarkable Semele, her delivery of her elaborate arias being a highlight of this very accomplished productions, and the tenor Andrew Gavin creating imaginative portrayals of Jupiter and Apollo, with a fine ‘Where’er you walk’.”
Ian Fox, Opera Magazine 

Programme download

Programme download

Creative Team

Conductor Christian Curnyn
Director Patrick Mason
Set & lighting design Paul Keogan
Costume design Catherine Fay
Production photography Frances Marshall

Cast

Semele Kelli-Ann Masterson
Juno/Ino Dominica Williams
Somnus/Cadmus Edward Hawkins
Iris Jade Phoenix
Athmas Gerben van der Werf
Jupiter/Apollo Andrew Gavin
Chorus Sestina (dir. Mark Chambers)

Collaborating with

This production is in association with Kilkenny Arts Festival, with the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin & Sestina.

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