Premiere at the Klaipėda State Music Theater: G. F. Handel’s “Julius Caesar”
An opera in three acts
Libretto by Nicola Francesco Haym
First performance: February 20, 1724, at the King’s Theatre in London
On October 9, 2026, the Klaipėda State Music Theater will host an exceptional premiere—Georg Friedrich Händel’s opera “Julius Caesar” will be staged in Lithuania for the first time. This authentically performed Baroque stage work will enrich the theater’s repertoire with new stylistic nuances.
The production will feature the Klaipėda State Music Theater (KVMT) and guest soloists from Lithuania and abroad, the Klaipėda Concert Hall Chamber Orchestra, and guest Baroque instrumentalists, with the KVMT ballet troupe rounding out the production.
Music director and conductor Rodrigo Calveyra, from Brazil and France, emphasizes the importance of the opera: “Staging a Baroque opera with authentic instruments and in the authentic style is a huge step forward. In Europe, such productions always attract a great deal of interest.”
The creative team includes director Tristan Braun (Germany), set and costume designer Sebastian Ellrich (Germany), and choreographer Nicola Mascia (Italy). The role of Julius Caesar will be performed by countertenor Christopher Lowrey (U.S./England), while the leading roles will be sung by Lina Dambrauskaitė (soprano), Renata Dubinskaitė (mezzo-soprano), Ivo Posti (countertenor, Estonia), and others.
The “Canto Fiorito” ensemble, assembled specifically for this Baroque opera in Klaipėda, will use historical instruments such as the Baroque harp, viola da gamba, lute, Baroque oboes, and bassoons, lending the production an authentic musical flavor.
General Sponsor
The participation of Polish artists in the production is supported by the Polish Institute in Vilnius
