Handel: Semele

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)

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.