Giulio Cesare

One of Handel’s most successful operas—in his time and today—tells the thrilling story of Rome’s supreme ruler and Egypt’s legendary queen. Today’s preeminent countertenor, David Daniels, takes on the title role of the conquering general who in turn is conquered by the beauty of Cleopatra (Ruth Ann Swenson). Lawrence Zazzo is Tolomeo, Cleopatra’s scheming brother and King of Egypt, and Patricia Bardon sings Cornelia, the grieving widow of Pompey, whose murder by Tolomeo is avenged by their son Sesto, played by Alice Coote. Early music specialist Harry Bicket conducts and plays harpsichord continuo.