HANDEL’S GIULIO CESARE

The thirty-sixth season of Opera in Concert continues with a single performance on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 2:30 pm of Handel’s greatest operatic achievement, GIULIO CESARE.　 This performance will be particularly notable for the Toronto operatic debut of the sensational young Canadian countertenor David Trudgen in the title role. From Blenheim Ontario, he has already been a winner in the Metropolitan Auditions, debuted for Chicago Opera Theatre and looks forward to debuts at Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the Wexford Festival.　 "From the outset", says General Director Guillermo Silva-Marin, "Opera in Concert has been a major champion of emerging artists and we have always been eager to showcase their talents in major roles." Joining David as the enigmatic Cleopatra will be returning soprano Charlotte Corwin, who was hailed in last season’s IL MONDO DELLA LUNA.　 These two remarkable young artists will have a unique opportunity to shine in this extraordinary opera by one of the art form’s most renowned composers.　 Soprano Catherine Rooney appears as Sesto and baritone James Levesque takes the pivotal role of Achillas. Amanda Jones returns as Cleopatra’s conniving brother Tolomeo after her triumphant debut in OIC’s LA DONNA DEL LAGO, while mezzo Jenny Cohen takes on the role or Cornelia. Returning as conductor will be Kevin Mallon leading the Aradia Ensemble.　 Already a force in the classical recording industry, Mallon is increasingly in demand on the international opera circuit for both baroque and standard opera repertoire and was conductor for OIC’s three complete opera CD recordings on the Naxos label.

GIULIO CESARE stands at the apex of Handel’s operatic achievement and his insights into the nature of political intrigue and human tragedy have never been more profound. Written at the climax of his Royal Academy period, he brought all his compositional skills to bear on this project and GIULIO CESARE is one of the greatest works of the opera-seria genre.　 In this opera, Handel’s mature control of harmony and melody took the baroque aria to new heights and his ability to reveal character and emotional states is unequalled.　 Arias such as ‘V’adoro pupille’, ‘Al lampo dell’armi’, ‘Svegliatevi nel core’ and ‘Piangero la sorte mia’ are just a few of the hit tunes from this most popular of Handel operas.

Don’t miss the pre-concert chat – THE BACKGROUNDER – with host Iain Scott 45 minutes before each show.　 OIC provides an opportunity not to be missed to learn about the opera, the composer and the musical culture of the times.

Opera in Concert is supported by the Jackman Foundation, Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council. Single tickets are available from the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts’ Jane Mallett Theatre Box Office, 27 Front St. East, by phone: 416-366-7723 or 1-800-708-6754 – or online at www.stlc.com.　 The theatre is wheelchair accessible and close to public transit and municipal parking.