Each a political powerhouse and legendary lover, Julius Caesar and Cleopatra have fascinated audiences across the ages. Handel's opera, which combines fiery virtuosity with sensual melodies, sets the stage for conflict between West and East that is played out in political, sexual and cultural terms.

New production.
Sung in Italian with English titles.
Running Time: Three hours, 15 minutes, including one 25-minute intermission and one 15-minute intermission.

Conductor David Stern
Director Robin Guarino
Sets John Conklin
Costumes Gabriel Berry
Lighting Robert Wierzel
Hair & Makeup Anne Ford-Coates
Fight Direction Philipp Thurman
Projected Titles Kelley Rourke

CAST

Giulio Cesare Laura Vlasak Nolen
Cleopatra Lyubov Petrova
Sesto Aurhelia Varak
Cornelia Lucia Cervoni*
Tolomeo Gerald Thompson
Achilla Jonathan Lasch*
Nireno Anthony Roth Costanzo*
Curio Paul LaRosa*

*Member of Glimmerglass Opera's 2008 Young American Artists Program.

July 6m, 12, 14m, 20m
August 1, 5m 9, 17m, 21, 23m
m = matinees

Sunday-Tuesday Matinees at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday Matinees at 1:30 p.m.
Evening performances at 8:00 p.m.

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SYNOPSIS

Caesar arrives on the banks of the Nile. Tolomeo, joint ruler of Egypt with Cleopatra, attempts to win Caesar's favor through the murder of Pompey, whom Caesar recently defeated in battle. Tolomeo's intended homage to Caesar does not have its desired effect. Cleopatra resolves to win Caesar's support through other means, and captures his attention disguised as Lydia, a servant.

Meanwhile, Cornelia and Sesto, widow and son of the slain Pompey, seek to avenge his death. With Tolomeo's troops on the march against Caesar, Cleopatra is forced to reveal herself.

Cleopatra is captured and Caesar apparently defeated, but Achilla, smarting from his betrayal by Tolomeo, provides the key to a change of fortune.