(Credit: Opera Santa Barbara official website)

Opera Santa Barbara has announced that it will open its 2022 season with a 90-minute adaptation of Händel’s comedy “Semele.”

The cast includes Christina Pezzarossi as Ino; Sarah Coit as Juno; Robert Stahley as Jupiter; Logan Tanner as Athamas; Colin Ramsay in the dual role of Kadmus and Somnus; and Jana McIntyre in the title role. Emily Senturia conducts a production by Sara Widzer.

“Händel is one of the greatest opera composers of all time. No other composer exults the human voice like him. Yet opera lovers often stay away from his operas because of their length”, said Opera SB’s Artistic and General Director Kostis Protopapas. “This version of ‘Semele’ is only 90 minutes long and contains some of Handel’s greatest tunes. Now more than ever we need to start the new year on a lighthearted note. ‘Semele’ is our New Year’s toast to Santa Barbara for a happier 2022.”

Performances are set to take place on Jan. 14, at 7:30 p. m. PST and  Jan. 16, 2022, at 2:30 p. m. PST at the Lobero Theater.