Our flagship annual Community Opera 2023
Once again we are proud to present our wonderful opera production with a cast of exceptional professional singers joined onstage by our 80 strong chorus, made up from members of our community aged 8-80+ accompanied by the Blackheath Halls Orchestra.
Cast
Semele Francesca Chiejina
Jupiter Thando Mjandana
Juno Katie Bray
Cadmus and Somnus Matthew Rose
Athamus Owen Willetts
Cupid Garreth Romain
Ino Hannah Leggatt*
Iris Molly Joynson*
Jupiter Youth Company
Charlton Park Academy
Director Harry Fehr
Conductor Chris Stark
Set Designer Elliott Squire
Costume Designer Zahra Mansouri
Lighting Designer Chuma Emembolu
This performance will be BSL Interpreted
BSL Interpreter: Becky Barry
*Trinity Laban student
How tempting are the trappings of glamour, celebrity and immortality?
It’s her wedding day, but Semele is caught in a quandary. Should she marry the safe, steady option her father approves of? Or should she elope with the glamorous, exciting alternative – who happens to be Jupiter, the King of the Gods?
Stifled by her dull and uninspiring community, she cannot resist the lure of life Jupiter promises and she escapes to a new world of parties and pleasure.
But there’s a stumbling block lying in wait: Jupiter’s wife. Juno will not stand the humiliation of a philandering husband, and plots to bring about Semele’s downfall. With the help of the other gods, and her own cunning, she will ensure that Semele’s dalliance with the A-list will be brief…
Music by George Frederic Handel
Text based on an existing opera libretto by William Congreve
Performed by arrangement with King’s Music
Additional performance dates:
Tue 26 Sep 7.00pm
Thu 28 Sep 7.00pm
Sun 1 Oct 2.30pm
Running time approx: 2hr 45 mins including interval
