UBC Opera stages Handel’s masterful opera seria Giulio Cesare, April 9 to 12

Conductor Leslie Dala and director Tayte Mitchell lead a rotating cast of singers and members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra

UBC Opera presents Giulio Cesare from April 9 to 11 at 7:30 pm and April 12 at 2 pm. Performances are taking place in the UBC Old Auditorium in celebration of the venerable concert hall’s 100th anniversary.

Experience the grandeur of baroque opera in Giulio Cesare, a masterpiece intertwining political intrigue with deep human emotion. Rome and Egypt meet in the three-act opera seria sung in Italian with English surtitles, featuring music by George Frideric Handel and libretto by Nicola Francesco Haym. The fatal attraction between two passionate and powerful human beings, Giulio Cesare and Cleopatra, determines the destiny of both them and their nations.

Set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt, Cesare—upon arriving in Alexandria to collect debt—discovers that Pompeo has been assassinated by King Tolemeo of Egypt. After this discovery Cesare is cast with bringing back order to Egypt. There, he encounters the ambitious Cleopatra, who competes for the throne against her brother, King Tolomeo. A complex web of partnerships, deceptions, and romantic entanglements develop, leading to a dramatic clash for power.

Handel’s score is renowned for its expressive arias and intricate orchestration, capturing the characters’ inner turmoil and desires. From Cleopatra’s passionate laments to Cesare’s commanding presence, the music elevates the narrative to a profound level. Giulio Cesare is a timeless exploration of ambition, love, and the complexities of human nature, offering a compelling experience for both seasoned opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Giulio Cesare premiered in London in 1724, and was an immediate success. In the centuries since, it has garnered critical acclaim on stages around the world, remaining one of the most frequently performed Baroque operas of all time.

UBC Opera’s performances of Giulio Cesare include members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra alongside the singers, with conductor Leslie Dala and director Tayte Mitchell leading the charge. The production features a split cast of vocalists, taking the stage April 9 and 11 and April 10 and 12, respectively. Among the performers are Mezzo-sopranos Briana Sutherland and Paige Sargent alternating as Cesare, sopranos Tamar Simon and Sarah Richardson as Cleopatra, and mezzo-sopranos Rachael Currie and Dorothea Unwin as Tolomeo.

Tickets to Giulio Cesare are available through UBC Opera.

Post sponsored by UBC Opera.

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