TRAILER
The Opera was recorded during one of only three public performances at the unique Cesky Krumlov Baroque Theatre.
The theme of the opera “Giulio Cesare in Egitto (Julius Caesar in Egypt)” is historical events associated with the dispute between Pompey and Caesar, known mainly from Plutarch’s narrative:
After Pompey’s defeat at the Battle of Pharsalus (48 BC), Caesar pursued him to Alexandria, Egypt, where he received only the severed head of his rival and former ally. Nevertheless, Caesar had Pompey’s remains buried with all honors.
In Alexandria, he later became involved in the civil war between Ptolemy XIII and his sister and wife Cleopatra VII. Probably because of Ptolemy’s part in Pompey’s assassination, Caesar favored Cleopatra over her brother. In the following Siege of Alexandria, he was first pushed into the defensive and surrounded in the city.
After receiving reinforcements, however, he easily defeated the king’s army, and Ptolemy himself drowned while attempting to escape across the Nile. Caesar installed Cleopatra on the Egyptian throne and became the father of her son Ptolemy XV, known as Caesarion.
THE PROCESS OF BECOMING
All the incremental steps, the work of so many behind the scenes, over month, even years…
All that it takes to bring such an exclusive Opera event to life…
First Notes
From when Ondrej first discovers a long-lost score in the deep Vaults of European Archives, and then copies it by hand, reconstructs missing or unintelligible fragments to their authentic original glory…
Sticking Heads together
To when the performers first become involved, begin to study the notes, the phrasing, intonation, characterization, and parallel engage with Susanna in the essential, painstakingly precise work on the gestures typical for the performances of the historic period…
Props and Costumes
The Props and Costumes are being brought from storage, prepped, and primed by expert hands for the Performance of the season, each piece dedicated thoughtfully to its role in the story…
Musicians
The Musicians arrive and gather for the first joint rehearsals. First alone with Ondrej, and then developing the scenes together with the singers, ever more integrated, until…
And finally…
Finally, all move into the Theatre for the incredibly short, precious rehearsal time afforded to the production due to the challenging circumstances of this truly unique space. Here it must come together to be shared with the passionate expert audiences. Here for an exclusive 3 Night run a select few may enjoy the New World Premiere of a rediscovered Masterpiece.
CHARACTERS & CAST:
Giulio Cesare: Tomáš Kočan (tenor)
Cleopatra: Eva Benett (soprano)
Tolomeo: Ivo Michl (bass-baritone)
Cornelia: Lucie Rozsnyó (soprano)
Sesto: Kamila Zbořilová (soprano)
Extras: Petr Slouka, Markéta Růžičková, Eliška Minářová, Lenka Nováková, Lenka Šilínková, Adéla Tomášová, Barbora Štefková, Eva Kalkušová, Neroli Dante Melis, Karel Smeykal
Costume design: Markéta Štormová
Dressers: Eva Kalkušová, Neroli Dante Melis
Costumes according to period sources sewn by Milena Kamlachová
Make-up: Zuzana Wittmannová
Hair stylist: Irena Křížová
Wigs: Hana Ambrůžková, Monika Skupníková
Props: Josef Petrák
Other props and wigs borrowed from the National Theater in Prague, the Centre for Baroque Culture Český Krumlov and the Baroque Theater Foundation of Český Krumlov Castle
Stage director and Baroque gestures: Zuzana Vrbová
BAROQUE ORCHESTRA:
Leader: Danuta Zawada
First violin: Danuta Zawada, Amber McPherson, Blanka Pavlovičová
Second violin: Paweł Miczka, Christopher Roth
Viola: Sara Mosetti
Violoncello: Dalibor Pimek
Violone: František Dvořák
Oboe: Andrea Straßberger, Gebhard Chalupsky
Bassoon: Eva Karbanová
Theorbo and Baroque guitar: Marek Kubát
Harpsichord: Ondřej Macek
Music Director: Ondřej Macek
We would like to express our thanks to the following libraries for providing the original sources (manuscript scores and printed libretto):
Max-Reger-Archiv, Meiningen
Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Paris