Nationally-known WFMT-FM radio host Carl Grapentine returns to kick off Oak Park's Handel Week 2012 with a free lecture on Sunday, February 12 at 3 pm at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake Street. The title of his lecture is “The Magnificent Mr. Handel – The Oratorio, Semele.”

German-British Baroque composer, George Frideric Handel is celebrated annually during Oak Park’s Handel Week Festival. During Handel Week 2012, three concerts will be performed at Grace Episcopal Church, 924 Lake Street, Oak Park. Concerts begin Sunday, February 19. On Sunday, March 4, The Oratorio Semele HWV 58 will be presented. Tickets for all three concerts are $35 person; free admission for ages 8 to 18. Order tickets at www.handelweek.com [1].

Semele was first performed on February 10, 1744 at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, London, as part of a concert series held yearly during Lent. The audience naturally expected Bible-based subject matter; most oratorios, including most of Handel's, meet this expectation. But the amorous topic of Semele, drew on Greek myths, not Hebrew laws, and so it may have displeased those attending for a different kind of uplift.

Carl Grapentine is the beloved early-morning host of WFMT's 5:58 club heard by thousands of classical music listeners between 5:58 and 10 am weekdays.

Find more about what's happening at the Oak Park Public Library at oppl.org/events/calendar [2].