Rossini's ancient royal drama returns after 25 years

Rossini's two act opera returns to the Metropolitan Opera House in 2017, for the first time in 25 years! The titular and wicked Queen of Babylon is sung by Angela Meade, with the trouser role of the heroic Arsace sung by Elizabeth DeShong. The vocal fireworks are conducted by the steady baton of Maurizio Benini, as we venture into the ancient world where conspiracy, murder and secrecy are the rule of the day.

In a story that bears resemblence to Strauss' Elektra, Semiramide, the Queen of Babylon, has killed her husband King Nino with the help of her lover Assur. When a power vacuum arises, Assur is aggrieved when her eye falls on the young commander Arsace for her new husband and King of Babylon; unknown to her however, Arsace is the illgitimate son of her late husband. Determined to take his revenge on Semiramide, Assur murders her, allowing Arsace to rise as king.