The Atlanta Opera Presents Handel’s Semele
Monday, May 12th, 2025
The Atlanta Opera is proud to present a bold and visually stunning production of George Frideric Handel’s Semele, opening June 7, 2025, at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Directed and produced by The Atlanta Opera’s Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General and Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun, this brilliantly crafted Baroque era opera promises a dramatic blend of modern mythology and theatrical invention. Conductor Christine Brandes, known for her expertise in Classical and Baroque era music, makes her Atlanta Opera debut on the podium.
Acclaimed soprano Lauren Snouffer stars in the title role of Semele, a mortal woman whose ambition leads her into a tempestuous love affair with Jupiter, king of the gods, drawn from Greek mythology, with tragic consequences. Snouffer brings vocal brilliance and emotional nuance to a role that demands both technical virtuosity and dramatic intensity. Canadian tenor Josh Lovell performs as Jupiter with “a warm, liquid voice and easy high notes” (The Guardian).
Set in a multiverse where divine forces clash with human aspirations, Semele tells a timeless story of desire, deception, and the dangers of hubris—the greatest crime of the universe as a mortal aspires to divinity. Under Zvulun's direction, Handel’s luminous score—full of soaring arias, vibrant choruses, and rich orchestration—comes to life through a fresh and emotionally charged lens.
“Semele is an opera of enormous beauty and psychological depth,” said Zvulun. “This production closes a season that has been shaped by the theme of the ‘hero’s journey.’ We have assembled a world-class cast to bring this rarely produced gem to life. The creative team of this production has created a world of breathtaking beauty, and I look forward to sharing it with our audience in Atlanta.”
The creative team includes choreographer Amir Levy, scenic and projection designer Erhard Rom, costume designer Vita Tzykun, and lighting designer Robert Wierzel—an ensemble of world-class talent collaborating to create a mesmerizing visual and theatrical experience.
Performances of Semele are June 7, 10, 13, and 15, 2025. Tickets are on sale now at the Atlanta Opera ticket office. Call 404-881-8885 or visit atlantaopera.org/semele.
Active military and veterans are hosted free at performances through the support of The Home Depot Foundation. Call The Atlanta Opera ticket office for details.
