ArtsFriday, November 6
MIOpera and BACH bring Handel's 'Semele' to Normal on Saturday
The Daily Normal team
If you've been curious about opera, this weekend is your shot. MIOpera is teaming up with the Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana, or BACH, for Handel's Semele, a 1744 "musical drama" based on an ancient Greek myth. It's the first time the two groups have worked together, and it's part of BACH's 30th season. It plays Saturday in Normal and Sunday in Urbana.
Semele plays twice this weekend, in Normal and Urbana
| When | Where | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Sat., Nov. 7, 7 p.m. | Normal First United Methodist | $10-$25 |
| Sun., Nov. 8, 4 p.m. | Wesley United Methodist, Urbana | $10-$25 |
Sources: Smile Politely, WGLT
- Normal venue: 211 N. School St.
- Urbana venue: 1203 W. Green St.
- Reception: you can stay after the show
- Rehearsal: two weeks, with music already prepared
“Semele is very human — a lot like us.”
In the story, Princess Semele is supposed to marry a prince, but she's in love with the god Jupiter. Koch says the prince is played by a countertenor, a man who sings in a mezzo-soprano range. About 50 people are part of the show.
Semele brings about 50 people to two stages
- About 50
- people in the show
- 2
- performances, in Normal and Urbana
- 30th
- season for BACH
- $10-$25
- ticket price at both shows
Sources: Smile Politely, WGLT
Sources: The Pantagraph, Smile Politely, WGLT