Performed by: Opera Studio
Artistic Director: Selena James
Assistant Artistic Director/Administrator: Barbara Livingston
Stage Director/Production Manager: Robyn Cathcart
Concert Information and Tickets: 250-386-5311
Admission: $18 and $15
Though early opera (18th century) and the 1980s are separated by 200 years on the historical time-line, the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Opera Studio are marrying these two eras by creating a very unique production of Handel’s Baroque masterpiece “Giulio Cesare” that promises to dazzle both ear and eye.
While this marriage might seem to make for strange bed-mates, are these worlds really so different? This work, rich with Egyptian and Greco-Roman elements, resonates strongly with a time that’s a little more familiar to contemporary listeners – the 1980s. The 80s were all about “excess” through politics, culture and economics – as was the Roman Empire during Cesare’s reign. This production of “Giulio Cesare” matches 18th century texture with visual modernity.
Throw in an audience seated literally in and around the action (seating will be in a U shape, with the production taking place in the centre), a set designed with 1950s art installation techniques, an all-female singing cast, and this traditional opera is transformed in to something quite unexpected, yet totally conducive to telling the story. While this isn’t your grandmother’s Handel, it does respect tradition and early music practices, including a challenging score that keeps the VCM’s Opera Studio students on their toes.
Making this unique production an even greater feast for the eyes is the fact that one of Opera Studio’s many talented students, Jessica Kalan, is creating all the costumes for “Giulio Cesare.” Kalan has recently been accepted to the prestigious Costume College in Van Nuys, California to attend an exclusive intense design workshop taking place this summer. Her most recent work assisting with costuming the Victoria Operatic Society’s production of “Guys and Dolls” received acclaim in local press.
Seating in Metro Studio is intimate, and limited – to avoid line-ups, purchase tickets in advance by contacting the Victoria Conservatory of Music at 250-386-5311.
