Giulio Cesare - Schedule, Program & Tickets

Opera seria in three acts - libretto by Nicola Francesco Haym

Intriguing men, political power games and self-confident women didn't just appear in Hollywood blockbusters! George Frideric Handel already knew how to handle the ancient material about Julius Caesar in 1724: Giulio Cesare comes to Egypt to defeat the young King Ptolemy and stabilize the political situation. However, the Egyptian throne is contested, as Ptolemy's sister Cleopatra wants to regain her power. She forms an alliance with Cesare, who is fascinated by her intelligence and beauty, and he helps her to overthrow her brother.

The intrigues take their course: Cesare is betrayed by his own allies, but Cleopatra's clever cunning and Cesare's military superiority succeed in defeating Ptolemy. Cleopatra becomes the new ruler of Egypt, Cesare emerges victorious. The opera ends with a union of political power and personal passion; Cesare and Cleopatra build a new future together.

The complex political machinations of Julius Caesar were already shrouded in legend and embellished during Handel's lifetime: the composer, together with Nicola Francesco Haym, created a work between fact and fiction with "Giulio Cesare in Egitto" and dramatized this period of the Roman emperor's life in a masterful way.

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) is still considered one of the most important composers of his time. His music captivates audiences with powerful melodies and dramatic sounds that still thrill audiences in concert halls and opera houses today. He conquered the world of opera at the age of 19: he worked in Germany, Italy and later in London. It was here that he composed "Giulio Cesare" and already benefited from his successful career as an opera composer.

Extravagance, entertainment and pomp: the directing team Carlo Massari and Chiara Osella prove that opera can be timeless. With their experience in the fields of choreography and singing, the two directors have been complementing each other perfectly for years in international projects. Together with set designer Eleonora De Leo and costume designer Emilia Zagnoli, the team is celebrating its debut at the Salzburg State Theater with the production of "Giulio Cesare".

Subject to change without notice.