Handel's Most Popular Opera

The opera that conquered London in Handel's time comes to Opera Omaha in this thrilling semi-staged production featuring the English Concert Orchestra! Handel's dramatic telling of Caesar and Cleopatra tale in ancient Egypt is presented in unique fashion, with the orchestra and conductor on stage, the music performed on period Baroque instruments and an overall sense of utmost authenticity not always heard on modern stagings.

What is the story?

The ever-popular opera chronicles the legendary meeting of historical lovers Ceasar and Cleopatra and explores the inner lives of these larger-than-life characters, with a sweeping score as rich in dreamy, melodic subtlety as it is in vocal theatrics and heroics. Loosely based on the events of the Roman Civil War of 49 - 45 BC, the opera transports the action to the era of British imperialism and begins when Ceasar persues his enemy Pomepo all the way to Egypt. In the ancient kingdom he becomes embroiled with the magnetic Cleopatra's plot to depose her boy king brother Tolomeo.