Event Description

Seduction, betrayal, lust for power, and revenge. Händel’s glorious music weaves the tale of this operatic masterpiece loosely based on true events of the Roman Civil War. Cesare discovers that his rival Pompeo has been brutally executed by the Egyptian King, Tolomeo. Pompeo’s widow, Cornelia, grieves while his son, Sesto, vows vengeance. Tolomeo’s wife, Cleopatra, decides to seduce Cesare to secure her position of power. As events unfold, Cleopatra falls in love with Cesare. The fateful lovers must now defeat Tolomeo and war ensues. With alliances constantly shifting, who will emerge victorious? Composed for the 1723-24 season of the Royal Academy, this opening production of our 2023-24 season celebrates the 300th anniversary of this masterwork of the operatic repertoire. Performed with chamber orchestra ensemble. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.