Leaving behind the glory of battle, “Hercules” illustrates the vulnerability of the man behind the myth. Image courtesy of Opera Omaha.
By Abigail Gocek
A Hero Returns Home in “Hercules”
March 11th, 2026
With a battlefield now silent and well-worn armor packed amongst other belongings, the proven hero Hercules begins his triumphant journey home in The English Concert’s newest production in partnership with Opera Omaha. A hidden gem among Handel’s many operas, audiences will be swept into the quiet tragedy that follows Hercules upon his homecoming March 13 at the Orpheum Theatre, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Considered to be one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world, The English Concert is breathing fresh life into Composer George Frideric Handel’s compositions for the modern audience. With only two performances after it’s original debut in 1745, The English Concert in collaboration with the Clarion Choir is bringing “Hercules” to the United States as part of their latest tour.
The opera explores Hercules and his wife Dejanira’s reunion upon his return home from war. Dejanira, overcome with worry that Hercules had been unfaithful, sparks a series of events that lead to tragedy through her mistrust. Operatic Bass Singer William Guanbo Su, performing the titular role of Hercules, says the opera focuses on the story of the man rather than the myth.
Born in Beijing, China, Su moved to the United States at 13 where he began training professionally in music. After graduating from Mannhattan School of Music and the Julliard School, Su joined the Houston Grand Opera’s young artist program. Su has since performed in various operas across the globe. Despite being thoroughly entrenched in the world of opera, Su is still discovering new operas.
The English Concert and Clarion Choir will be returning to Omaha as their second destination in their three-part tour. “Hercules” will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre. The Open Night Overture dinner event, hosted by the Opera Omaha Guild will also take place at the Hotel Deco, a five minute walk from the Orpheum Theatre, beginning at 5:30 p.m. and scheduled to wrap up at 7 p.m.
Accompanying the performance of “Hercules” will be an Opera in Conversation Event titled After the Curtain Call. It will feature a conversation between Omaha Artists and their experience with Hercules taking place at the Joslyn Castle and Gardens March 16, beginning at 6 p.m.
For more information on the opera “Hercules”, visit operaomaha.org.
