A fantastic, over-the-top production, with singing and orchestral music worthy of this epic melodrama. Queen Semiramide needs to appoint an heir for her war-torn Babylon, and the suitors line up for Princess Azena’s hand, some with noble intentions, some possessed by greed and lust. An incestuous love triangle emerges, but is abruptly disrupted by the ghost of the murdered king Nino, who after fifteen years in the grave is ready to name and punish his assassins. The orchestra, lead by conductor Alberto Zedda, triumphs throughout. The chorus was mind-blowing, innovative and powerful. But, the two show stoppers of this performance were Myrtò Papatanasiu playing Semiramide, and Josef Wagner as Assur. If you are an opera newcomer, this one will hook you for life.

Festival Theatre, 25 and 27 Aug, 6.00pm (10.20pm), £16.00 – £68.00.
tw rating 5/5
[ae]