New Zealand Opera has gone full multimedia with this cinematic treat! It's Semele on the big screen, it's showing just three special fundraising sessions around the country, and judging by the drama of the trailer and the awesomeness of the stage production we're pretty confident this is going to be a roaring great time.
This stunning new opera film, directed by Rebecca Tansley (The Heart Dances), was filmed in 2020 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell. It features some of New Zealand’s best voices: Emma Pearson, Amitai Pati (SOL3 MIO), Paul Whelan, Sarah Castle, Stephen Diaz, Chelsea Dolman and Sashe Angelovski along with the Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus and the Holy Trinity Cathedral Choir. A baroque orchestra under the baton of Peter Walls ONZM brings Handel’s intricate score to life.
The story explores the sensual love triangle between Jupiter (King of the Gods), his wife Juno, and his lover, the mortal princess Semele. As with all mythological stories, this is a story of love, passion, revenge and tragedy – set to some of the most beautiful music Handel ever wrote. Don’t miss this opportunity to see this luminous production brought to life once again on the silver screen.
All proceeds from the fundraiser event go towards funding more incredible homegrown opera on the big screen, so get in there.
Christchurch, Lumière Cinemas, Thursday 15 April
Wellington, Penthouse Cinema, Thursday 29 April
Auckland, Lido Cinema, Thursday 13 May
nzopera.com