Semele

Royal Opera House (Covent Garden), Main Stage, London, Great Britain

Scene 1 from the opera "Semele", photo 2

Scene 3 from the opera "Semele", photo 3

Scene 4 from the opera "Semele", photo 4

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7 PM

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Important Info

Type: Opera

City: London, Great Britain

Starts at: 19:00

Acts: 3

Intervals: 1

Duration: 3h 5min

Sung in: English

Titles in: English

Ticket delivery: E-Tickets

E-tickets: Print at home or at the box office of the event if so specified. You will find more information in your booking confirmation email.

Can I choose my seats?

Overview

Experience Handel’s opera of desire and destruction in a darkly satirical new staging.

In the decadent world of the wealthy and powerful, hedonism rules supreme. Enter Semele, whose love for Jupiter introduces her to luxury – and total destruction. 'Pretty Yende triumphs as Semele’ in Handel’s opera of power and privilege, in a new production 'skilfully directed by Oliver Mears'. (Le Monde)

In the decadent world of the wealthy and powerful, hedonism rules supreme. Enter Semele, whose love for Jupiter introduces her to luxury – and total destruction.

Following sell-out success in Paris, a bold new production of Handel’s English-language masterpiece comes home to Covent Garden, directed by Oliver Mears. Witness the opera in the place where it was first heard back in 1744, starring Pretty Yende, who sings ‘the naive, besotted … Semele to perfection’ (The Times).

Installed as Jupiter’s lover in his luxurious home, Semele, a former servant in his household, can’t believe her good fortune. But Jupiter’s wife, Juno, concocts a plan for revenge that will bring ruin to her husband’s young lover. Uncanny, strange and darkly satirical, this new production is the latest instalment of The Royal Opera’s acclaimed Handel in Covent Garden series. Pretty Yende (who sang at the Coronation of King Charles III) performs the title role of Semele, with Ben Bliss, who makes his Royal Opera debut as her seductive but sinister lover. Brindley Sherratt, Carlo Vistoli and Alice Coote also star, conducted by Baroque specialist Christian Curnyn.

A Mythological Tale

Semele is a mortal woman who in the original myth, has an affair with the god Jupiter. Jupiter’s wife, Juno is furious, and in revenge, she tricks Semele into demanding that Jupiter reveal himself to her in his true form. The result? She is overwhelmed by his power, and consumed by fire. From her ashes, Bacchus is born, and later becomes the god of revelry, fertlity and agriculture. Semele’s story is a cautionary tale, with contemporary themes, such as power imbalances and sexual exploitation.

Visions of Paradise

The most famous aria in Handel's musical drama is ‘Where'er you walk’, sung by Jupiter to reassure Semele. It is equally popular across the classical music community. ‘Where'er you walk / Cool gales shall fan the glade / Trees where you sit / Shall crowd into a shade,’ sings Jupiter, likening his palace gardens to paradise. Set to lyrics by Alexander Pope from the poet’s Pastorals, the aria is recognisable for its calm and serene manner, making it a popular wedding – and funeral – song.

Sensual Music

The opera is surprising in its sensuality, especially given that it was first performed during the season of Lent: a time when, in Handel’s day, austere religious subjects were typically preferred. Instead, Handel takes a mortal heroine from the world of ancient myth who revels in her own sexuality, with arias including: ‘Endless pleasure, endless love / Semele enjoys above’, ‘With bliss expiring, panting, fainting’, and ‘Myself I shall adore’. Sadly, Semele’s enjoyment is cut short, when she is tricked by Juno into demanding that Jupiter appear to her in his true form, with disastrous consequences.

Handel's Covent Garden History

Semele is the latest instalment in The Royal Opera’s series of Handel’s Covent Garden works, which so far has included Susanna, the Olivier Award-winning Alcina, as well as Jephtha and Theodora. In many cases, these are works which have not been staged in their original home for upwards of 250 years, despite gaining popularity far beyond their Covent Garden origins. Semele was last staged at the Royal Opera House in 2003, and had its first staged performances in Covent Garden over 280 years ago, in 1744.

History

Premiere of this production: 10 February 1744, Covent Garden Theatre, London

Semele is a 'musical drama', originally presented "after the manner of an oratorio", in three parts by George Frideric Handel. Based on a pre-existent opera libretto by William Congreve, the work is an opera in all but name but was first presented in concert form at Covent Garden theatre on 10 February 1744. The story comes from Ovid's Metamorphoses and concerns Semele, mother of Bacchus. Handel also referred to the work as 'The Story of Semele'.

Synopsis

Jupiter, King of the gods, takes the mortal Princess Semele to a secret hiding place on a mountain to be his mistress. When Jupiter's wife, Juno, hears of her husband's adultery she is enraged, and plots to ensure Semele's downfall. In disguise, Juno appeals to the girl's vanity and persuades her to insist on seeing her lover in his divine form. Jupiter reluctantly agrees but his thunderbolts burn and consume Semele. From her ashes, though, arise her unborn child by Jupiter—Bacchus, god of wine and ecstasy.

Act 1
Scene: Greece, in legendary antiquity

The scene is the temple of Juno. Near the altar is a golden image of the goddess

In the temple of Juno, Cadmus, King of Thebes, is preparing for the marriage of his daughter Semele to Athamas, Prince of Boeotia. Signs from the goddess indicate she approves of the match (Accompanied recitative: Behold! Auspicious flashes rise and chorus: Lucky omens bless our rites.) However, the bride has been inventing one excuse after the other to put off the wedding and her father and would-be bridegroom urge her to hesitate no longer (Duet: Daughter, hear! Hear and obey!) To herself, Semele reflects on her dilemma—she does not wish to marry Prince Athamas as she is in love with Jove himself and calls on him to assist her (Accompanied recitative: Ah me!What refuge now is left me?, arioso: O Jove! In pity teach me which to choose and aria: The morning lark). Athamas, observing her, takes her physical signs of emotional upheaval as evidence she is in love with him (Aria: Hymen, haste, thy torch prepare). Ino, Semele's sister, now appears, also in a state of distress as she is in love with Athamas (Quartet: Why dost thou thus untimely grieve?) Jupiter has heard Semele's prayer and his thunderbolts interrupt the proceedings and alarm the observers (Chorus: Avert these omens, all ye pow'rs). The priests of Juno order the wedding abandoned and everyone to leave the temple (Chorus: Cease, cease your vows), which all do except for Athamas, in despair at his wedding being cancelled, and Ino, hopelessly in love with him (Aria: Turn, hopeless lover). Athamas can see she is upset, without guessing why, and he can feel for her in her distress because he is upset too (Aria: Your tuneful voice my tale would tell). Athamas is astonished when she tells him bluntly that she loves him (Duet: You've undone me). Cadmus interrupts their confusion and describes the extraordinary event he has just witnessed: as they fled the temple Semele was suddenly carried off by an eagle (Accompanied recitative: Wing'd with our fears). The priests and augurs identify this eagle as Jupiter himself (Chorus: Hail Cadmus, hail!). As the act ends, Semele is seen enjoying her role as the god's new mistress (Aria: Endless pleasure, endless love).

Act 2
Scene One

A pleasant country, the prospect terminated by a beautiful mountain adorn'd with woods and waterfalls. Juno and Iris descend in different machines. Juno in a chariot drawn by peacocks; Iris on a rainbow; they alight and meet.

Juno, suspicious of her husband's conduct, has sent her helper Iris to find out what she can. Iris reports that Jove has installed Semele as his mistress in a palace atop a mountain (Aria: There, from mortal cares retiring). The outraged Juno swears to have revenge (Accompanied recitative: Awake, Saturnia, from thy lethargy!). Iris warns her it will not be an easy task—the palace is guarded by dragons that never sleep (Accompanied recitative: With adamant the gates are barr'd). Juno decides that she and Iris will pay a visit to the god of sleep in his cave, in order to get magical assistance to put the dragons to sleep (Aria:Hence, Iris, hence away).

Scene Two

An apartment in the palace of Semele. She is sleeping, Loves and Zephyrs waiting.

Semele awakes and regrets that the dream she was having of being with her lover has ended (Aria: O sleep, why dost thou leave me?). When Jupiter enters, in the form of a young man, she tells him how difficult it is for her when he is absent. He explains that she is a mortal, unlike him, and needs to rest from their love-making from time to time. He attempts to assure her of his fidelity (Aria: Lay your doubts and fears aside). Semele sings of her passionate love for him (Aria: With fond desiring). The chorus of Loves and Zephyrs sing of lovers' joys (Chorus: How engaging, how endearing). Semele, however, is beginning to be unhappy that her lover is a god and she a mere mortal. This sign of an ambition to immortality from Semele worries Jupiter who decides he must distract her from such thoughts (Aria: I must with speed amuse her). The Loves and Zephyrs advise Semele to put aside worries and enjoy the delights of love while she can (Chorus: Now Love that everlasting boy invites). Jupiter has arranged for Semele's sister Ino to be magically transported to the palace, to keep her company, and promises that the gardens and environs will be paradise (Aria: Where'er you walk). He leaves, and Ino appears, describing the wondrous experience of being flown there by winged zephyrs (Aria: But hark, the heav'nly sphere turns round). The sisters sing of the joy they are experiencing, hearing the music of the spheres (Duet: Prepare then, ye immortal choir) and nymphs and swains declare that this part of the earth has become a heaven (Chorus: Bless the glad earth).

Act 3
Scene One

The Cave of Sleep. The God of Sleep lying on his bed.

Juno and Iris arrive and wake Somnus (Accompanied recitative:Somnus, awake), to his displeasure (Aria: Leave me, loathsome light). He only gets out of bed when he hears Juno mention the beautiful nymph Pasithea (Aria: More sweet is that name). Juno promises he will have the nymph if he will lend her magical aid to put the dragons that guard the palace where Semele is ensconced as her husband's mistress to sleep and transform her into the likeness of Semele's sister Ino. Somnus agrees (Duet: Obey my will).

Scene Two

An Apartment. Semele alone

Semele is still feeling rather unhappy about the discrepancy between herself and her lover (Aria: My racking thoughts). Juno, in the form of Semele's sister Ino, enters and feigns astonishment at Semele's increased beauty. She exclaims that Semele must have become a goddess herself and gives her a mirror (Behold in this mirror). Semele is enraptured by her own beauty (Aria: Myself I shall adore). "Ino" advises Semele to insist that Jupiter appear to her in his real, godlike form, and that will make her immortal herself (Accompanied recitative: Conjure him by his oath). Semele is very grateful for this advice (Aria: Thus let my thanks be paid). "Ino" leaves and Jupiter enters, eager to enjoy Semele (Aria: Come to my arms, my lovely fair) but she puts him off (Aria: I ever am granting). He swears to give her whatever she desires (Accompanied recitative: By that tremendous flood, I swear) and she makes him promise to appear to her in his godlike form (Accompanied recitative: Then cast off this human shape). He is alarmed and says that would harm her (Aria: Ah, take heed what you press), but she insists he keep his oath (Aria: No, no, I'll take no less) and leaves. Jupiter knows this will mean her destruction and mourns her impending doom (Accompanied recitative: Ah, whither is she gone). Juno triumphs in the success of her scheme (Aria: Above measure is the pleasure).

Scene Three

The scene discovers Semele under a canopy, leaning pensively, while a mournful symphony is playing. She looks up and sees Jupiter descending in a cloud; flashes of lightning issue from either side, and thunder is heard grumbling in the air.

Semele, granted her wish to see Jupiter in his true godlike form, is consumed by his thunderbolts, and as she dies she regrets her own foolishness and ambition (Accompanied recitative: Ah me! Too late I now repent). Watching this, the priests of Juno express their amazement (Chorus: Oh, terror and astonishment!). Athamas is now glad to accept Ino as his bride (Aria: Despair no more shall wound me). The god Apollo descends on a cloud and announces that the unborn child of Semele and Jupiter will arise from her ashes (Accompanied recitative: Apollo comes, to relieve your care). The child will be Bacchus, god of wine and ecstasy, a god "more mighty than love". All celebrate the fortunate outcome (Chorus: Happy, happy shall we be).

Venue Info

Royal Opera House (Covent Garden) - London
Bow St, Covent Garden

The Royal Opera House (ROH) is an opera house and major performing arts venue in London and Great Britain. It is the home of The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

The large building is often referred to as simply "Covent Garden", after a previous use of the site of the opera house's original construction in 1732. It is the home of The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. Originally called the Theatre Royal, it served primarily as a playhouse for the first hundred years of its history. In 1734, the first ballet was presented. A year later, Handel's first season of operas began. Many of his operas and oratorios were specifically written for Covent Garden and had their premieres there.

The current building is the third theatre on the site following disastrous fires in 1808 and 1856. The façade, foyer, and auditorium date from 1858, but almost every other element of the present complex dates from an extensive reconstruction in the 1990s. The main auditorium seats 2,256 people, making it the third largest in London, and consists of four tiers of boxes and balconies and the amphitheatre gallery. The proscenium is 12.20 m wide and 14.80 m high. The main auditorium is a Grade I listed building.

The Royal Opera, under the direction of Antonio Pappano, is one of the world’s leading opera companies. Based in the iconic Covent Garden theatre, it is renowned both for its outstanding performances of traditional opera and for commissioning new works by today’s leading opera composers, such as Harrison Birtwistle, Mark-Anthony Turnage and Thomas Adès.

The Royal Ballet is one of the world’s greatest ballet companies. Under the directorship of Kevin O’Hare, the Company unites tradition and innovation in world-class performances at our Covent Garden home.

The Company’s extensive repertory embraces 19th-century classics, the singular legacy of works by Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton and Principal Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan and a compelling new canon by Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor and Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon.

The Orchestra performs in concerts of their own, including performances at the Royal Opera House with Antonio Pappano. They have also performed at venues worldwide including Symphony Hall (Birmingham), Cadogan Hall, the Vienna Konzerthaus and on tour with The Royal Opera.

Members of the Orchestra play an active role in events across the Royal Opera House, including working with the Learning and Participation teams. The Orchestra accompanies performances that are streamed all over the world, including through cinema screenings and broadcasts. They appear on many CDs and DVDs including Pappano’s acclaimed studio recording of Tristan und Isolde with Plácido Domingo and Nina Stemme.

The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House was founded in 1946 when the Royal Opera House reopened after World War II.