Opera Boston presents Handel's Semele February 3, 2008

Semele
George Frideric Handel
Libretto by William Congreve (ca. 1705); later edits by Alexander Pope for Handel setting
Premiere: February 10, 1744, Covent Garden, London

February 1, 3m, 5
Cutler Majestic Theatre at Emerson College
Boston, Massachusetts
Sung in English with surtitles

Semele: Lisa Saffer*, soprano
Juno: Margaret Lattimore*, mezzo-soprano

Conductor: Martin Pearlman
Stage Director: Sam Helfrich

* Opera Boston Debut

After the success of 2005’s sold-out and internationally acclaimed performances of Gluck’s Alceste, Opera Boston again collaborates with Martin Pearlman and the Boston Baroque Period Instrument Orchestra and Chorus to present Handel’s Semele starring Lisa Saffer. Handel's Cleopatra (Giulio Cesare with Boston Baroque) and Berg’s Lulu (English National Opera: Olivier Award nominee). Mezzo-Soprano Margaret Lattimore makes her Opera Boston debut in the role of Juno; she has appeared locally in recital with the Celebrity Series and in Harbison’s Requiem with the BSO.

Conductor Martin Pearlman will lead the Boston Baroque period instrument orchestra and chorus in this production. He previously conducted Semele in his Kennedy Center debut with the Washington National Opera. Stage Director Sam Helfrich, who will direct The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny for Opera Boston, returns to stage this all-new production.

Opera Boston is now taking subscription renewals; new subscription brochures will be available in early May. Patrons may request a brochure by calling (617) 451-3388, or by e-mailing: info@operaboston.org. Individual tickets go on sale after Labor Day through Telecharge and the Cutler Majestic Theatre box office.

Official Website: http://www.operaboston.org