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Semiramide
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May 2026 | ||||||
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Semiramide – Gioachino Rossini | Opera in Concert
Melodramma tragico in two acts
Libretto by Gaetano Rossi based on the tragedy Sémiramis by Voltaire
Approximate running time: 3 hours
It stands out for its exuberant music and dramatic complexities
Semiramide is one of the last operas by Gioachino Rossini. Premiered at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice in 1823, and based on Voltaire’s tragedy Sémiramis, it stands out for its exuberant music and dramatic complexities, as well as a plot full of passions, family conflicts, and political intrigue. With a libretto by Gaetano Rossi, the opera is a prime example of the bel canto genre, where vocal performance and the technical skill of the singers are key elements.
The plot of Semiramide revolves around the protagonist, the Queen of Babylon, who is caught in a web of revenge and secrets. The story begins with the death of her husband, Nino, and the mystery of who was responsible for the murder. Semiramide, after many years of reigning, falls in love with the hero Assur, unaware that he is the son of her murdered husband.
Musically, it stands out for the richness and difficulty of its arias and ensembles, especially in moments of great emotional intensity. The character of Semiramide is central to the opera, and her aria “Bel raggio lusinghier” is one of the most emblematic moments, reflecting her inner struggle between love and duty. Rossini's music, with its characteristic brilliance, blends with moments of great dramatic intensity.
Program and cast
Semiramide - Adela Zaharia
Arsace - Franco Fagioli
Assur - Marko Mimica
Idreno - Maxim Mironov
Azema - Patricia Calvache
Oroe - Antonio Di Matteo
Mitriane - Juan de Dios Mateos
L’espectre de Nino - Marc Pujol
Choir of the Gran Teatre del Liceu
Conductor - Pablo Assante
Symphonic Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu
Conductor - Paolo Arrivabeni
Gran Teatre del Liceu
Barcelona's opera house, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, was founded on the Rambla in 1847 and has continued over the years to fulfil its role as a culture and arts centre and one of the symbols of the city.
Today it is publicly-owned (by the Government of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council, Barcelona Provincial Council and the Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte) and administered by the Fundació del Gran Teatre del Liceu which, in addition to the aforementioned bodies, incorporates the Patronage Council and the Societat del Gran Teatre del Liceu (the old society of owners).
Origins: From 1837 to 1847
The Liceu evolved out of the Sociedad Dramática de Aficionados (Society of theatre-lovers) set up in 1837 at the instigation of Manuel Gibert in the former convent of Montsió by members of the National Militia, an organization of armed citizens with liberal leanings.
Barcelona's economy and population were growing fast at the time and the city needed a music conservatory. This led to the conversion of the Sociedad Dramática into the Liceo Filármonico Dramático Barcelonés de S.M. la Reina Isabel II (Barcelona Dramatic and Philharmonic Lyceum of HM Queen Isabel II). In addition to its theatrical activities, the new organization cultivated Italian-style singing and music.
The building on the Rambla
The original building was solemnly opened on 4 April 1847. The plans had been drawn up by Miquel Garriga i Roca, subsequently assisted by Josep Oriol Mestres. The project was funded by selling shares, which meant that many of the boxes and seats were to be privately owned. The shareholders formed the Societat del Gran Teatre del Liceu, known as the “Societat de Propietaris” (Society of Owners), which was in sole charge of running the Gran Teatre del Liceu from 1855 onwards, after it was legally separated from the Conservatori del Gran Teatre del Liceu.
The theatre was operated by impresarios who were given a concession to stage a specific number of productions in exchange for the proceeds from the sale of tickets not reserved for the Societat itself. This system was to endure until 1980.
The creation of the Consortium
By the last quarter of the 20th century this management system was no longer viable. In 1980, to avert the danger of the disappearance of an institution of such worldwide cultural renown, the Generalitat Catalonia's first government in modern times – set up a consortium, the Consorci del Gran Teatre del Liceu, which also incorporated Barcelona City Council and the Societat del Gran Teatre del Liceu. Barcelona Provincial Council joined the Consortium in 1985, followed by the Spanish Ministry of Culture in 1986. From then on the Consortium took over operation of the theatre.
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