The Hop hosts the US premiere of The English Concert’s semi-staged production of the English-language Handel opera Semele. In this sensuous and sparkling charmer, mortal maiden Semele incites the jealousy of the goddess Juno, resulting in some of opera’s most delicious arias of lust and rage. Coloratura Brenda Rae plays the feckless mortal to mezzo Elizabeth DeShong’s furious goddess. New York’s Clarion Choir, directed by rising-star conductor Steven Fox ’00, gives voice to the choruses of priests, soothsayers, nymphs and others who tunefully witness Semele’s downfall.

ENRICHMENT EVENT

Pre-show Event:
Too Hot to Handel! Performing Opera Today 
Wed, Apr 10, 5:00-6:30 pm, Russo Atrium (Hood Museum of Art) 
Enjoy a free taste of wines from Italy (in honor of Semele’s source material) and Germany (in honor of the composer) as you listen to the Handel Society perform a brief preview of their upcoming concert. Then join DSO Conductor Filippo Ciabatti and Prof. Steve Swayne in a conversation about the joys and challenges of performing opera today.