Gulbenkian

Description

Alongside its performances at the Marlowe Theatre, Glyndebourne is treating audiences in Canterbury this autumn with a special cinema screening of Handel’s grandest opera, Giulio Cesare (Julius Caesar).

 

The triumphant sensation of Glyndebourne’s 2005 Festival, David McVicar’s acclaimed production draws inspiration equally from the British Raj and Bollywood. Flamboyantly slick and sexy song-and-dance staging veers expertly between black comedy and heartbreaking tragedy as Handel’s sumptuous score pours out some of his most exquisitely fashioned, emotionally affecting and sheerly exciting arias.

 

A powerful cast is led by the two stars: mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly as the imperious Roman general and soprano Danielle de Niese as the irrepressibly coquettish Cleopatra, ever ready to render unto Caesar whatever it takes to gain control of her kingdom.

 

‘Watching Glyndebourne Festival opera’s astonishing new production, it becomes blisteringly clear why it is regarded as the composer’s operatic masterpiece .Giulio Cesare is not so much a box of delights as an embarrassment of riches.’ New Statesman

 

‘Musically, visually, dramatically, this was vintage stuff.’Evening Standard

 

‘The triumphant entry of Handel’s masterpiece into the repertoire at   Glyndebourne […] is a watershed, both in the history of this opera’s reception-it was rapturously received by the audience – and of the Festival.’ The Sunday Times

 

Conductor             William Christie
Director                David McVicar
Set Designer         Robert Jones
Costume Designer Brigitte Reiffenstuel
Lighting Designer   Paule Constable
Movement Director Andrew George
Fight Director         Nicholas Hall

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
The Glyndebourne Chorus

Cast
Giulio Cesare             Sarah Connolly
Curio                         Alexander Ashworth
Cornelia                     Patricia Bardon
Sesto                        Angelika Kirchschlager
Cleopatra                   Danielle de Niese
Nireno                       Rachid Ben Abdeslam
Tolomeo                    Christophe Dumaux
Achilla                      Christopher Maltman

 

Running times are as follows:
o    Act I – 1 hr 25  mins
o    Act II – 1 hr 5 mins
o    Act III – 1 hr 18 mins

For more on world-class opera from Glyndebourne visit glyndebourne.com

 

Giulio Cesare photography: Tristram Kenton

Tickets: £13