Rehoboth Beach Film Society to show ‘Semiramide’ live opera broadcast March 17, 19
The Rehoboth Beach Film Society will present the Metropolitan Opera’s live broadcast of Gioachino Rossini’s dazzling “Semiramide” at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 17, and 1 p.m., Monday, March 19, at the Cinema Art Theater. The screening will be shown as recorded presentation one week after being filmed live.
This masterpiece of dazzling vocal fireworks makes a rare Met appearance – its first in nearly 25 years – with Maurizio Benini on the podium. The all-star bel canto cast features Angela Meade in the title role of the murderous Queen of Babylon, who squares off in breathtaking duets with Arsace, a trouser role sung by Elizabeth DeShong. Javier Camarena, Ildar Abdrazakov and Ryan Speedo Green complete the stellar cast.
“Semiramide” is the culmination of the Italian phase of Rossini’s monumental yet unusual career. He had already produced such immortal comedies as “Il Barbiere Di Siviglia” and “L’Italiana in Algeri,” but in the early 19th century he was celebrated above all else for his tragedies, none more so than “Semiramide.” For decades after its premiere, the opera swept through the music capitals of Europe and beyond, enthralling audiences with its urgent, transcendentally beautiful use of melody, undeniably exhilarating drama, and astonishing vocal displays.
An operatic depiction of ancient Babylon and the mythic Queen Semiramis, the story includes many of the hallmarks of a legendary epic – valiant warriors, political intrigue, royal splendor and the otherworldly presence of gods and spirits. Queen Semiramis was both celebrated and reviled for her complex reputation: simultaneously a great ruler, usurper, murderess, power-grabbing female, male impersonator, and master builder. She is an embodiment of female power and mystery, and thus an excellent candidate for operatic treatment. Rossini’s stunning music matches the grandeur of the subject matter, presenting ample opportunities for dazzling vocal displays.
Admission for The Met broadcasts is $25 for adults, $22 for film society members, Met members and seniors ages 65 and older, and $15 for students with ID and children 12 and under. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. To make advance reservations with MasterCard or VISA, go to www.rehobothfilm.com. Admission will be available at the door for any unsold seats.
