Triumphantly premiered in 1724 at the King's Theatre in London, George Frideric Handel's Giulio Cesare in Egitto masterfully combines human emotions: Triumph with sorrow, despair with happiness and love with profound melancholy in the face of the transience of all earthly life. Star director Keith Warner creates a production that imaginatively blends silent film and baroque opera, delightfully echoing Mankiewicz's legendary Cleopatra with Elizabeth Taylor, Rex Harrison and Richard Burton. An excellent cast of singers is led by two of the world's leading countertenors: Bejun Mehta and Christophe Dumaux. Louise Alder shines as the seductive Cleopatra. Patricia Bardon, Simon Bailey and Jake Arditti are further highlights in this extraordinary group of singers, while Ivor Bolton provides the appropriate soundtrack on the podium of the Concentus Musicus Wien.

Vivaldis Orlando Furioso was chosen to open the 43rd Festival della Valle dItria. This baroque opera is a true feast for the senses, with peaks of sheer poetry and a sense of wonder. Director Fabio Ceresa was clearly inspired by the works of Gustav Klimt, both for the setting and the costumes. Conductor and Continuo Diego Fasolis leads the excellent Barocchisti ensemble with an elegant touch, and an unfailing ability to fully convey the musics nuanced coloratura. The production was very well received, with the cast highly praised by audience and critics alike. Sonia Prina proved highly convincing in the title role, both for the quality of her voice and for her outstanding acting skills - a true 'ba-rock star'. Lucia Cirillo (Alcina) was complimented by Bachtrack for her 'flawless coloratura and virtuosity in ornamentation', while Riccardo Novaro (Astolfo) displays a stylish poise and vocal warmth.

At the Festival della Valle d'Itria, Antonio Vivaldi's opera Orlando Furioso. Orchestra I Barocchisti, conductor at the harpsichord and music director Diego Fasolis.