Power, love and intrigue prevail in ancient Egypt, as no fewer than three ruling houses are entangled in the country’s political turmoil: following the defeat of Giulio Cesare, his adversary Pompeo has fled to Egypt with his wife Cornelia and his son Sesto. However, King Tolomeo has Pompeo murdered immediately in order to hand Pompeo’s head to Cesare on his arrival. However, the “gift” misses its mark: Cesare is dismayed by so much malice. Cornelia and Sesto swear revenge on Tolomeo. Cleopatra, Tolomeo’s sister, also tries to win favour with Cesare. Tolomeo’s power threatens to crumble and the battle for the throne unfolds...
With his melodically guided and emotional musical language, George Frideric Handel was way ahead of his time. The multifaceted nature of the arias, through which the composer expresses the different characteristics of the protagonists, is almost unique in Baroque opera. Thus, Giulio Cesare is both lover and hero, while Cleopatra transforms from a confident young woman into a mature ruler. The premiere of the opera at the King’s Theatre at the Haymarket in London on 20 February 1724 was one of George Frideric Handel’s greatest triumphs.
Following the sensational success of the production in the 2022/23 season, Vincent Boussard’s staging with extravagant costumes from the fashion designer Christian Lacroix is back on the programme. Rubén Dubrovsky conducts the Gürzenich Orchestra as a recognised baroque specialist.