Giulio Cesare in Egitto

ABOUT

For the first time, the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre presents a Baroque opera in its repertoire, performed with authentic musical interpretation on historical instruments. This production is further elevated by an exceptional international cast of soloists!

Due to the extraordinary nature and demanding complexity of this opera, it will be performed in Ostrava in only five shows in June 2025. In July, the production moves to Znojmo, where it will be the highlight of our co-production partner's program at the Znojmo Music Festival 2025.

Julius Caesar in Egypt (Giulio Cesare in Egitto) is a opera seria composed by Georg Friedrich Händel for the Royal Academy of Music in 1724. It premiered on 20 February 1724, at the King's Theatre in London's Haymarket. The opera was an immediate success and was frequently revived by Händel in subsequent seasons. Today, it remains one of the most performed Baroque operas. The story loosely draws from historical events during the Caesar's civil war from 49–45 BC. Set against the exotic backdrop of Egypt, the opera unfolds a vibrant tale of political intrigue, power struggles, and the passionate love affair between Roman Emperor Julius Caesar and Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. This story has inspired countless artistic adaptations both before and after Händel's time, but his operatic version stands out as particularly brilliant, continuing to captivate and inspire audiences and performers alike.

At the end of the 2024/2025 season, this masterpiece will make its debut on the Ostrava stage, in a co-production with the Znojmo Music Festival and the renowned Czech Ensemble Baroque (CEB). Founded in 1998 by conductor Roman Válek, CEB specializes in historically informed performances of works from earlier stylistic periods, mainly from the Baroque to the Classical era, played on period instruments. The neo-Baroque interior of the acoustically unique Antonín Dvořák Theatre provides the perfect setting, where this unique musical experience will be further enhanced by its lavish stage design.

Premiere on 19 June 2025 at the Antonín Dvořák Theatre