Semele

Experience Divine Desire: Handel’s Semele Returns to Covent Garden – Book Your Royal Opera House Tickets Now!

For discerning visitors to London, a truly extraordinary operatic event awaits this summer. Following a sold-out triumph in Paris, a bold new production of George Frideric Handel’s captivating English-language masterpiece, Semele, comes home to the very stage where it was first heard in 1744 – the magnificent Royal Opera House, Covent Garden! This is a rare opportunity to witness an opera of desire and destruction, led by an internationally acclaimed cast and visionary director. Secure your official Semele Royal Opera House tickets directly through us for a seamless booking experience, avoiding unnecessary markups, and enjoying the convenience of PayPal, plus the option for free e-tickets!

A Mythological Masterpiece Reimagined

Semele is a dazzling blend of Baroque musical brilliance and compelling drama, drawing from classical mythology to tell the story of a mortal woman whose ambition and desire lead her into the perilous realm of the gods. Semele, a former servant, finds herself installed as the lover of the mighty god Jupiter in his luxurious celestial abode, unable to believe her good fortune. But Jupiter’s vengeful wife, Juno, concocts a cruel plan that will bring ruin to her husband’s young lover.

This uncanny, strange, and darkly satirical new production, directed by the Royal Opera House’s Director of Opera, Oliver Mears, is the latest instalment in the Royal Opera’s acclaimed series dedicated to Handel’s works originally performed in Covent Garden. It masterfully explores contemporary themes such as power imbalances and sexual exploitation, offering a resonant cautionary tale.

Sensual Music & Star-Studded Performances

Handel’s Semele is celebrated for its vibrant arias, emotional depth, and surprisingly sensuous music, especially given its original premiere during the season of Lent in 1744 – a period usually reserved for austere religious subjects. Handel boldly presented a mortal heroine revelling in her own sexuality, with arias like ‘Endless pleasure, endless love / Semele enjoys above’ and ‘With bliss expiring, panting, fainting.’ This unique blend positions Semele as a “secular oratorio” or “musical drama,” blurring the lines between traditional opera and oratorio, showcasing Handel’s innovative genius. Explore more about Handel’s unique approach to Semele and its place in musical history.

Leading the cast in the title role is the globally celebrated South African soprano Pretty Yende, who famously sang at the Coronation of King Charles III. Critics have lauded her performance, with The Times praising her as singing ‘the naive, besotted… Semele to perfection.’ Yende’s exquisite voice and vibrant stage presence make her portrayals unforgettable. Learn more about Pretty Yende’s illustrious career and performances.

She is joined by American tenor Ben Bliss making his Royal Opera debut as Jupiter, her seductive yet sinister divine lover. The cast also features the renowned Brindley Sherratt, Carlo Vistoli, and Alice Coote, all under the baton of Baroque specialist Christian Curnyn. Oliver Mears, who previously won Best Opera Production at the Irish Times Theatre Awards for his Tosca, directs with a clear vision, while designer Annemarie Woods brings the mythical world to life with stunning visuals. Discover more about Oliver Mears’s directorial vision at the Royal Opera House.

One of the most famous and serene arias from the opera, ‘Where’er you walk’, sung by Jupiter to reassure Semele, has transcended its operatic origins to become a beloved piece in the classical music community, often heard at weddings and even funerals, a testament to its enduring beauty.

Handel’s Legacy Returns to Covent Garden

The Royal Opera House’s dedication to bringing Handel’s works back to their original Covent Garden home is a cultural triumph. Semele was last staged at the Royal Opera House in 1982, and its original performances here over 280 years ago cemented its place as one of Handel’s most celebrated English-language works. This series allows contemporary audiences to experience these masterpieces in the very place of their genesis, making it a truly historically significant event for visitors.

Plan Your Unforgettable Opera Experience

Semele plays a strictly limited engagement from June 30 to July 18, 2025. The performance runs for approximately 3 hours, including an interval. It is recommended for ages 16+.

Embrace the Divine – Book Your Tickets Direct!

For tourists seeking a truly elevated cultural experience in London, witnessing Handel’s Semele at the Royal Opera House is an unmissable opportunity. The combination of its historical significance, the brilliance of Handel’s score, Oliver Mears’s visionary direction, and the world-class performances by Pretty Yende and the stellar cast promises an evening of profound drama and exquisite music.

Given the limited number of performances and the international acclaim of this production, demand for Semele Royal Opera House tickets will be exceptionally high. Booking directly through us ensures you secure your access to this magnificent event, avoiding any potential overpaying, and benefiting from the convenience of PayPal.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this dazzling blend of desire and destruction. Book your tickets today!

Book Your Semele London Tickets Now!

Reviews