Adultery and U.S. political commentary will add a modern twist to an upcoming presentation of the mythological 1744 opera “Semele.”
The University Opera Ensemble, under the direction of Assistant Professor of Voice Mark Kaczmarczyk, will present an updated production of the George Frederic Handel opera. The two performances, held in the atrium of Willamette Hall, will be held at 8 p.m. Feb. 23 and at 3 p.m. Feb. 24.
Handel had political motives in composing “Semele,” and Kaczmarczyk said he has tried to modernize this element. Handel wrote the opera as a warning to King George not to elevate the king’s mistress to the throne. Kaczmarczyk said he chose to update the University production as a political commentary on Washington, D.C., the Clinton administration, Enron, government scandal and the “abuse of power and manipulation.” The performers will wear modern costumes, breaking the stereotypical expectations of “stuffy and inaccessible” opera productions.
The story of “Semele,” written in 1744 by Handel at the age of 60, is rooted in classical mythology. Semele, a mortal played by soprano Kim Raddatz, is in search of immortality from the god Jupiter. Tenors Andrew Brock and Brandon Finch alternate in this role. Kaczmarczyk said Semele’s quest and “the meddling of gods with mortals” makes for both high drama and hysterical antics.
Following last season’s production of Benjamin Britten’s “The Turn of The Screw,” Kaczmarczyk said he chose to present the baroque opera, sung in English, to highlight the young, talented, emerging voices in the School of Music. While the University is challenged with “a limited amount of performing space,” Kaczmarczyk said Willamette Hall’s atrium provides a functional and user-friendly space.
Dr. Ann Tedards, associate professor of voice and associate dean of music, said she has been working with two of her students who are in the production and approved of the unique venue.
“I think the acoustics are going to be exciting because of the very, very high ceiling,” said Tedards, who also serves as director of graduate studies.
She said the opera will be an unusual kind of performance “rarely experienced in Eugene.”
The singers will be accompanied by a select group of musicians from the University Symphony, whom Kaczmarczyk said will give the cast “a taste” of what it may be like for them to continue to perform in the professional world. Kaczmarczyk will conduct the opera while playing the harpsichord.
“Handel’s brilliance lies in his ability to wed vivid imagery with magnificent melodies,” Kaczmarczyk said.

He said audiences may be most familiar with Handel’s masterpiece, “Messiah.” But he said recent years have witnessed an international re-emergence of baroque opera, which has led to revivals of Handelian operas such as “Guilio Cesare,” “Rinaldo,” “Rodelinda” and “Semele.” The opera contains some of the most famous and exquisitely written arias in baroque literature, including the “O sleep” and “Endless Pleasure, endless love.”
Rehearsals began the first week of winter term, Raddatz said. She said a standard has been set by people who have performed the two arias professionally. This has been a challenge for her to match, but one which she has thoroughly enjoyed.
She said the self-developing role of Semele has pushed her to exceed her own limits, allowing her to act in a manner that she “absolutely wouldn’t do under normal circumstances.”
“Developing the character (of Semele) has been very enlightening,” she said. “It has shown me how much I can do versus how much I thought I could do.”
She added that the instruction she has received has also helped her to improve.
“Mark has been a very easy director to talk to,” she said, explaining his approachable, calm manner. “He is willing to demonstrate if you don’t understand what is going on.”
Mezzo-soprano Melody Vogel who plays the characters of Juno and Ino said she likes playing the evil role of Juno — Jupiter’s wife who is angry at Semele. The powerful lyrics and fast-moving tempo have been a change for her.
Vogel, who has taken voice lessons since high school, said she hopes the audience will take away an appreciation for this light-hearted opera. The junior vocal performance major, who won the District Metropolitan Opera Auditions, said working with Kaczmarczyk has been fun.
“He is a very innovative director who brings more style and sophistication than we were used to,” she said.
Tickets are $10 for general admission and $20 for preferred seating, available at the EMU Ticket Office. For more information, call 346-4363.