(Credit: BoHuang)

Handel’s “Semele” will make a return to the Shanghai International Arts Festival on Nov. 8 and 9, 2019.

This re-imagined version of the opera, which was presented 10 years ago, will be showcased as part of the 140^th anniversary celebrations of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. The performance will be presented by KT Wong Foundation as part of the Shanghai International Arts Festival’s 20^th edition.

The production will feature Jane Archibald in the title role, alongside Peter Rose, Christine Rice, Hugo Hymas, and Carlo Vistoli. The chorus of English Voices will also perform with Julia Burbach directing.

When the production opened in 2009, Archibald was at the forefront of the cast, receiving great reviews for her work.

“The Canadian soprano Jane Archibald is a beguiling Semele, and brings a bright, technically agile and appealing voice to a demanding role,” stated The New York Times’ review. The Toronto Star added that “Jane Archibald is alone worth the price of a ticket. She is spectacular in the title role.”