Rossini: Semiramide
Synopsis
A rarely performed bel canto gem, Rossini’s Semiramide returned to the Met for the first time in nearly 25 years during the 2017–18 season. Set in ancient Babylon under the reign of the mythic Queen Semiramis, the opera features political scheming, mistaken identity, divine intervention, and bloodthirsty revenge—not to mention one virtuosic vocal display after another. Soprano Angela Meade is the fierce title monarch, whose quest for power comes to a halt with the discovery that the object of her affection, the warrior Arsace—sung by mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong—may actually be her long-lost son. Together, the two square off in a pair of dazzling duets and deliver some of the opera’s most challenging arias. Bel canto specialist Maurizio Benini takes the podium to lead a cast that also stars tenor Javier Camarena as the ardent prince Idreno, bass Ildar Abdrazakov as the scheming Assur, and bass Ryan Speedo Green as the stern high priest Oroe.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Semiramide: “Bel raggio lusinghier”
Type: Clip • Published 2018-02-16
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Release History & Theatrical Window
March 10, 2018
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Barbara Willis Sweete, John Copley
- Screenplay & Story
- Gaetano Rossi, Voltaire
- Original Score
- Gioachino Rossini
- Original Title
- Rossini: Semiramide
- Spoken Languages
- Italian
- Runtime
- 3h 22m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Barbara Willis Sweete, John Copley
Gaetano Rossi, Voltaire
Gioachino Rossini
Victoria Warivonchik, Louisa Briccetti, Peter Gelb
Department Leadership Roster
John Copley
Production Design
Gioachino Rossini
Original Music Composer
Barbara Willis Sweete
Director
Victoria Warivonchik
Producer
Louisa Briccetti
Producer
Gaetano Rossi
Writer
John Copley
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Rossini: Semiramide.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Rossini: Semiramide.
The Metropolitan Opera HD Live
Not found: - The First Emperor (tt0986981) - Opening Night Gala Starring Renée Fleming (tt1403677) - Madama Butterfly (tt1469946) -
Similar Titles to Rossini: Semiramide
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
7.0
7.5
9.0
6.0
7.7
7.0
10.0
8.0
8.5
8.0
9.0
6.3
3.3
9.0
8.0
6.0
8.0
7.5
9.0
More Like Rossini: Semiramide
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rossini: Semiramide
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Rossini: Semiramide about?
A rarely performed bel canto gem, Rossini’s Semiramide returned to the Met for the first time in nearly 25 years during the 2017–18 season. Set in ancient Babylon under the reign of the mythic Queen Semiramis, the opera features political scheming, mistaken identity, divine intervention, and bloodthirsty revenge—not to mention one virtuosic vocal display after another. Soprano Angela Meade is the fierce title monarch, whose quest for power comes to a halt with the discovery that the object of her affection, the warrior Arsace—sung by mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong—may actually be her long-lost son. Together, the two square off in a pair of dazzling duets and deliver some of the opera’s most challenging arias. Bel canto specialist Maurizio Benini takes the podium to lead a cast that also stars tenor Javier Camarena as the ardent prince Idreno, bass Ildar Abdrazakov as the scheming Assur, and bass Ryan Speedo Green as the stern high priest Oroe.
Who directed Rossini: Semiramide?
Rossini: Semiramide was directed by Barbara Willis Sweete, John Copley.
Who stars in Rossini: Semiramide?
The principal cast of Rossini: Semiramide includes Angela Meade, Elizabeth DeShong, Ildar Abdrazakov, Javier Camarena, Ryan Speedo Green.
When was Rossini: Semiramide released and how long is it?
Rossini: Semiramide was released in 2018 with a total runtime of 3h 22m.
Who composed the musical score for Rossini: Semiramide?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Rossini: Semiramide was composed by Gioachino Rossini.