Atlanta Opera to close season with Handel’s ‘Semele’

The Atlanta Opera announced that it is closing out its 2024-2025 season with a visually-stunning new production of George Frideric Handel’s Semele.

Created by Handel in the 1700s, Semele is a three-part musical drama that tells the story of the titular character Semele, a mortal woman who engages in an affair with the god Jupiter.

Directed and produced by The Atlanta Opera’s Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. and Tomer Zvulun (artistic director), the Baroque-era show is said to be a mix of “modern mythology and theatrical invention,” according to the opera company.

Making her Atlanta Opera debut is Christine Brandes, a conductor with a background in Baroque and Classical music. 

Brandes will bring her expertise to the podium, guiding Handel’s emotive score for everyone in attendance.

Playing the title role of Semele is Lauren Snouffer, an acclaimed soprano that the Atlanta Opera says brings “vocal brilliance and emotional nuance” to the character.

Starring opposite of Snouffer in the role of Jupiter is Josh Lovell, a Canadian tenor that news publication The Guardian described as having “a warm, liquid voice” and the ability to hit “easy high notes.”

“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.”

Semele is slated to debut at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on June 7, 2025, with additional shows taking place June 10, 13 and 15.

Tickets are on sale now and are available at the Atlanta Opera ticket office (can be purchased online or over the phone at 404-881-8885).

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