Giulio Cesare - Salzburg State Theatre

Intriguing men, political power games, and self-assured women have existed long before the era of Hollywood blockbusters! Georg Friedrich Handel skillfully handled the ancient story of Julius Caesar as early as 1724: Giulio Cesare arrives in Egypt to defeat the young King Ptolemy and stabilize the political situation. However, the Egyptian throne is contested, as Ptolemy's sister Cleopatra seeks to reclaim her power. She allies herself with Caesar, who is captivated by her intelligence and beauty, and he helps her to overthrow her brother.

The intrigues unfold: Caesar is betrayed by his own allies, but through Cleopatra's clever stratagem and Caesar's military superiority, they manage to defeat Ptolemy. Cleopatra becomes the new ruler of Egypt, and Caesar emerges victorious. The opera concludes with a union of political power and personal passion; Caesar and Cleopatra build a new future together.

The complex political machinations of Julius Caesar were already shrouded in legend during Handel's lifetime and were embellished: The composer, together with Nicola Francesco Haym, created "Giulio Cesare in Egitto," a work that straddles the line between fact and fiction, masterfully dramatizing this chapter of the Roman Emperor's life.

Georg Friedrich Handel (1685–1759) is still regarded as one of the most central composers of his time. His music captivates audiences with powerful melodies and dramatic sounds that continue to inspire in concert halls and opera houses today. At just 19, he conquered the opera world: he worked in Germany, Italy, and later in London, where he also composed "Giulio Cesare" and benefited from his successful career as an opera composer.

Extravagance, entertainment, and splendor: The directing team of Carlo Massari and Chiara Osella proves that opera can be timeless. With their experience in choreography and singing, the two directors have complemented each other perfectly for years in international projects. Together with set designer Eleonora De Leo and costume designer Emilia Zagnoli, the team celebrates its debut at the Salzburg Landestheater with the production of "Giulio Cesare."