"SEMELE" Presented by The Atlanta Opera

CRITIC’S PICK:Semele by Handel, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre: George Frideric Handel’s bold treatise on sex and death first saw the light of day in London in early 1744, receiving nonplussed reactions from the public. The Baroque-era oratorio was said by critics to be “bawdy” and “profane” and was only performed a few times before languishing in limbo for decades. In these more enlightened times, ‘Semele’ is acclaimed and staged regularly around the world. The Atlanta Opera’s production is directed by Tomer Zvulum who says the piece has“enormous beauty and psychological depth.” Soprano Lauren Snouffer takes the title role of Semele, while tenor Josh Lovell performs as Jupiter with “a warm, liquid voice and easy high notes,” according to The Guardian. - Kevin C. MadiganCRITIC'S PICK Sat., Jun. 7-15Be careful what you wish for. For example, let's say you ask a god with whom you are illicitly consorting to reveal himself in all his immortal glory to prove that he is truly a god, a questionable doubt seeded in your mind by the god's wife. What could go wrong?The characters, motivations and consequences of such circumstances constitute the tragic love triangle drawn from Greek mythology, processed through the genius of 18th century Baroque composer George Frideric Händel, and staged by The Atlanta Opera in a new production of 'Semele' by Tomer Zvulun.'Semele' is Handel at his most richly dramatic, sensually endowed and brilliantly Baroque best. The opera's arias and choruses are among the most powerfully expressive in the repertoire. In this premiere production by The Atlanta Opera, according to the press notes, "in gorgeous detail, design elements of architecture, fashion, and even dreams are elevated into a modern mythology where gods walk among us and mortals yearn for love and immortality." What more to ask for? — Doug DeLoach