They don't write 'em like that anymore

What do you get when you combine love, vanity, jealousy, intrigue, sex, fire, lightning and thunderbolts into one story? Why, it's Semele, the classical Greek myth depicting the chaos that ensues when mortals and gods fall in love.

The plot, in a super, super abbreviated nutshell: Zeus, a god, falls in love with Semele, a mortal. Zeus's jealous wife Hera, disguised as Semele's sister, suggests to Semele that she should ask Zeus to make her immortal by showing himself to her in his true form, rather than his human form. Hera tells Semele that she should withhold her favors from Zeus until he grants her a wish - without telling him what the wish is before he consents. Semele gets Zeus to agree, and she tells him her wish: that he reveals himself to her in his immortal god form.

What happens next? Here's how to find out . . .

Semele, is also an opera written by none other than George Frederic Handel, and was first performed in London in 1744. Tonight, my friend Joan and I attended a public dress rehearsal of a condensed version of Semele by Bellingham's Opera Popolare , accompanied by a fabulous ensemble which included my cello teacher's wife on viola!

The entire production, including costumes, sets, music, and theatrics was superb. I particularly enjoyed the tenor voice of Carlo Furlan (pictured above with Caitlin Hill as Semele), who played the part of Zeus (aka, Jupiter).

As someone who has now been involved in both vocal and orchestral ensembles, I found director Robert Viens' conducting style to be wonderfully clear and easy to follow. It was a pleasure to watch him move effortlessly back and forth, cueing the musicians, then cueing the singers.

If you're reading this, and you are within striking distance of Bellingham, WA, go catch Semele! You won't regret it. It's got a one of a kind story, the twists and turns of Handel's terrific baroque oratorio, amazing vocals, a wonderful orchestral ensemble, affordable pricing, all performed in a beautiful, intimate venue.

The mortal mother of Dionysus.