Battle of the Countertenors: CCM Studio Opera Brings Handel’s ‘Giulio Cesare in Egitto’ to Life

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Embroiled in a bitter struggle for power, Giulio Cesare in Egitto (Julius Caesar in Egypt) recounts the passion between Cesare and Cleopatra as they form an alliance against the Egyptian queen’s brother Tolomeo, who is attempting to usurp control of Rome and Egypt. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Tickets become available on Monday, May 23 at noon—please contact the CCM Box Office at 513-556-4183 to reserve. Learn more about this opera after the jump.

CCM’s production of this opera seria also features the talents of three of CCM’s countertenors in the main male roles: originally, these important roles were played by castrati. Handel’s oft-performed retelling of the immortal tale of Cesare and Cleopatra boasts themes of warfare, passionate love, betrayal and heroic action brought to lyric drama on an epic scale.

Cast:

• Cleopatra: Abigail Santos
• Sesto: Emma Char
• Giulio Cesare: Luis Orozco
• Tolomeo: John Holiday
• Nireno: Eric Jurenas
• Cornelia: Paulette Penzvalto
• Achilla: Emmett O’Hanlon
• Curio: Zach Owen

Composed by George Frideric Handel
Libretto by Nicola Francesco Haym
Conductor: Mark Gibson
Director: Nicholas Muni 

Performance Dates:

May 27-29

• 8 p.m. Friday, May 27
• 8 p.m. Saturday, May 28
• 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 29

Location
Cohen Family Studio Theater

Admission
Admission is free, but reservations are required. Tickets become available on Monday, May 23 at noon—please contact the CCM Box Office at 513-556-4183 to reserve. Limit two tickets per order.