Soprano Julie Fuchs about Handel’s Giulio Cesare | Dutch National Opera

Caesar and Cleopatra, passion and war Romance and power take centre stage in Handel’s Giulio Cesare, set against the backdrop of Ancient Rome and Egypt. In the midst of the Roman Civil War (49-45 BCE), Giulio Cesare (Julius Caesar) discovers that his rival Pompeo has been cruelly executed by the Egyptian king Tolomeo. While Pompeo’s widow Cornelia mourns her husband, and his son Sesto vows vengeance on the man who killed his father, Tolomeo’s sister and wife Cleopatra decides to seduce Cesare in order to enlist his support and tip the balance of power in her favour. PERFORMANCE INFORMATION Opera in three acts Sung in Italian Libretto Nicola Haym Musical direction - Emmanuelle Haïm Stage direction - Calixto Bieito Set design - Rebecca Ringst Costume design- Ingo Krügler Lighting design - Michael Bauer Video - Sarah Derendinger Dramaturgy - Bettina Auer Giulio Cesare - Chr