Classical preview

The opera is a literal documentary of events that took place in Egypt in the years leading up to the birth of Christ, culminating in the relationship between the Roman, Julius Caesar, and the beautiful Egyptian, Cleopatra.

Though Handel tinkered with the score many times after its first 1724 performance in London’s King’s Theatre, in its fullest form it lasted for more than four hours, and it is in this version the company’s Artistic Director, James Conway, has chosen to stage the opera, though now split in half and performed as separate entities, the first called The Death of Pompey, and the second Cleopatra’s Needle.

The company has formed a close relationship with the outstanding period orchestra, Old Street Band, Conway’s production bringing the action into the elegance of the19th century, the South African-born counter-tenor, Christopher Ainsle taking the role of Caesar, and the young soprano, Soraya Mafi, as Cleopatra.

Partnered on the tour by Rameau’s Dardanus, a story based on Greek legend that drew from the composer some of his finest music. All three operas come to Buxton (October 20-21) with the Handel duo at Durham’s Gala Theatre (October 23 -24).

Tickets from 01298 72190 (Buxton); 03000 266600 (Durham) .