Director's Notes: "Giulio Cesare" is loosely based on the situation in Egypt during the Roman Civil War, and Cesare’s famous courtship with Cleopatra, the Queen of Egipt. Musically, Giulio Cesare is an inspired work with remarkably vivid characterizations. Handel's orchestration for Giulio Cesare is as expansive as the opera itself. Every character is treated with subtlety and given a wide range of emotions, but Cleopatra’s character, and music, develop throughout the piece. Her music, reflecting her character, begins early in the opera with light, dance-like, flirtatious music but descends to the depths of despair in her profound lament Piangerò. This production is set in its original period, and although it has been abridged (the original is over 3 hours of music), it is my hope that we convey the spirit and passion of the work. ~ Alan Mann—Staging Director

Cast:
Cesare - Rebecca Batista deAlmeida (May 22)
Cleopatra - Kelly Whitesell
Cornelia - Julie Rumbold
Sesto - Rachel Abrams
Tolomeo - Samuel Bowen
Achilla - Ivan Conrad
Curio - Steve Fasano
Nirena - SarahAnn Duffy

Adrian Sylveen: artistic director, conductor

Location: Seaverns Hall, The Bushnell,

Cost: $45

For more information, contact:: info@thevirtuosi.org