The English Concert

Love, betrayal, family drama, and political intrigue—Handel’s blockbuster heroic opera recounts the historic meeting of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, through a series of unforgettable arias, vivid characterizations, and sumptuous orchestration. Dazzling British soprano Louise Alder sings the seductive central role of Cleopatra, opposite French countertenor Christophe Dumaux as her Caesar. It is hard to overstate the sublime performances director Harry Bicket coaxes from his brilliant soloists and his truly stellar ensemble. “Handel’s genius shone throughout in the English Concert’s magnificent orchestra, which played as if inhabiting the spirit of Handel himself” (San Francisco Classical Voice).