Semiramide - Edinburgh Festival Guide

In a world of politics, lust, violence and murder, Queen Semiramide rules over Babylon – a broken society in which the desires and cravings of the elite are destroyed by their own intrigues and machinations. It’s a world waiting to be punished.

Having murdered her husband, Semiramide seized power with her lover Assur. Meanwhile Arsace, the son Semiramide thought was dead, returns to court as a young soldier. As Semiramide falls in love with her own son, the ghost of his murdered father, King Nino, warns that crimes must be avenged.

With echoes of Oedipus, Phaedra, Hamlet and Macbeth, Semiramide is Shakespearean in its atmosphere. Rossini’s use of the chorus is masterful and evocative of classical Greek
drama, propelling the action as the tragedy unfolds.

In Semiramide, Rossini’s music achieves an epic power that makes this melodramma tragico
among his most intense and passionate scores. Renowned Rossini interpreter Alberto Zedda conducts Nigel Lowery’s inventive production, laced with contemporary political allusions.

‘Pure Bliss’ Opera Now

A co-production between Vlaamse Opera and Royal Opera Copenhagen.

Audio Description Saturday 27 August 5.45pm
British Sign Language Saturday 27 August 6.00pm

Supported by Peter Moores Foundation