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
*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:
Thu 28 Sep 7.00pm
Sat 30 Sep 2.30pm (BSL Interpreted)
Sun 1 Oct 2.30pm
Running time approx: 2hr 45 mins including interval
