Humanity and the Divine collide in Semele, the Australian premiere of John Eccles' opera of 1706, edited by Richard Platt and performed in semi-staged concert by innovative Baroque music collective, HIP Company.

Semele tells of the doomed love affair between the God Jupiter and the mortal Semele who seeks immortality, but will her ambition be rewarded or punished? Deception, disguise, desperation, and dragons abound in this exemplar from an underrated composer of the refined, yet virtuosic style of English opera of the time.

With artistic direction by Bonnie de la Hunty (soprano), Sarah Papadopoulos (violinist) and Krista Low (cellist) and an orchestra and cast of Perth's finest exponents of Baroque music led by Concertmaster Shaun Lee-Chen (appearing courtesy of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra), Semele will delight both Baroque music connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

The performance lasts for 140 minutes including an interval, during which complimentary light refreshments sponsored by award-winning Margaret River winery, Victory Point Wines, will be served.

Tickets $70 (adult), $60 (concession), $40 (school-aged), available at events.humanitix.com/semele.

Cast:

Semele: Bonnie de la Hunty (soprano)
Jupiter: Lachlann Lawton (baritone)
Juno: Olivia Sanders-Robinson (mezzo soprano)
Ino: Sophie Hamer (soprano)
Cadmus: Brett Peart (baritone)
Athamus: Louis Hurley (tenor)
Iris: Rachael Liu (soprano)
Cupid: Lucinda Nicholls (soprano)
Somnus/Apollo: Benjamin Del Borello (baritone)
Chief Priest: David Woods (baritone)
Second Priest/First Augur: Jason Kroll (tenor)
Third Priest/Second Augur: Joshua Adams (baritone)

Orchestra:

Violin 1: Shaun Lee-Chen*, Eliza McCracken
Violin 2: Sarah Papadopoulos, Jane Cameron
Viola: Hannah Herriman
Cello: Krista Low
Double Bass: Andrew Tait
Harpsichord: James Huntingford
Percussion: Jet Kye Chong

* Shaun Lee-Chen appears courtesy of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra