George Frideric Handel: Semele
Candian Opera Company, Toronto
Canadian Opera Company Orchestra and Chorus
Rinaldo Alessandrini, conductor
CAST: Jane Archibald (Semele); William Burden (Jupiter); Allyson McHardy (Juno, Ino); Steven Humes (Cadmus, Somnus); Katherine Shyte (Iris); Anthony Roth Costanzo (Athamus)
Described by the composer as an opera "in the manner of an oratorio,"Semele has something for everyone. It's written and sung in English, befitting its original, Covent Garden billing as an "English oratorio," yet it shares the Italian opera style that made Handel one of the most popular composers of his time.