CONDUCTOR: James Conlon

Filmed at New York´s Metropolitan Opera, John Copley´s production of Rossini´s last, longest and most elaborate work for the Italian stage brings together what many consider the definitive contemporary cast, let by Marilyn Horne and June Anderson. Semiramide, a strong and melodious work, is one of Rossini´s greatest dramatic operas, offering a fine challenge to the superb contralto and soprano bel canto singing of Ms. Horne and Ms. Anderson. It is Marilyn Horne´s mastery of the role of Arsace which has been instrumental in the opera´s revival. Noted for her superb dramatic as well as vocal abilities, June Anderson is acknowledged as one of the best interpreters of Semiramide, and she gives a powerful performance as one of literature´s great tragic heroines, a passionate, imperious, jealous woman. Rossini specialist Samuel Ramey takes the part of Assur.