The School of Music of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, in collaboration with the School of Theatre and Entertainment Arts, will present the classic opera by Handel, Giulio Cesare, at the Academy Rita Tong Liu Drama Theatre on March 28, 29, 31 and April 1. Based on historical events during the Roman civil war in Egypt, this classic opera tells the story of Julius Caesar's love affair with Cleopatra and how they try to bring peace to the turbulent relationship between the Egyptian and Roman empires. The Academy has invited guest conductor Nicholas Kraemer and director Harry Fehr to participate in the production, which is also their debut in Hong Kong. Dr. Helmut Sohmen and Dr. Peter Thompson have generously agreed to support this production.
Mr. Harry Fehr, Director of Giulio Cesare, is impressed by this famous opera, saying, "Giulio Cesare is one of the greatest works by one of the greatest composers of the 18th Century. It beautifully balances the playful story of Julius Caesar's love affair with Cleopatra with the darker tale of Cornelia and Sesto's angry desire for revenge. With sparkling, virtuosic arias, it will perfectly showcase the skills of the Academy students."
Professor Nancy Yuen, Head of Vocal Studies of the School of Music, is greatly looking forward to this performance, "Power and passion will take centre stage at the Academy in March with the long-awaited opera production of Handel's Giulio Cesare, a multi-disciplinary presentation by the School of Music and the School of Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Making their debut in Hong Kong will be conductor Nicholas Kraemer and director Harry Fehr. Tight drama and intense music performed by our super talented students will be guaranteed."
Academy Opera: Giulio Cesare Sung in Italian with English and Chinese surtitles The production is suitable for audience aged 6 or above |
Composer: George Frideric Handel Libretto: Nicola Francesco Haym Conductor: Nicholas Kraemer Director: Harry Fehr Set Designer: Jonathan Wong Associate Set Designer: Lam Hoi-kiu Costume Designer: Ingrid Proos Associate Costume Designer: Lai Wing-ki Lighting Designer: Zoe Cheung So-yi Production Manager: Olympia Hui
Cast: So Ki-hin, Winston Chan Tsz-wai, *Anna Chan Pui-shan, ^Leung Hei-na, *Freddie Tsang Yuk-ki, ^John Ho Chun-yin, *Anna Zhang Jingdan, ^Rosanna Ip Hio-lam, Samuel Yip Hei, Aaron Kwan Cheuk-shing, Anny Liao Aner
*March 28 & 31, 2023 ^March 29 & April 1, 2023 |
Date/Time: March 28, 29, 31 & April 1, 2023 | 7:30 pm |
Venue: Rita Tong Liu Drama Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts |
Ticket Price: $65 - 150 |
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (www.hkapa.edu)
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), established by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Ordinance in 1984, is a leading tertiary institution in the performing arts in Asia. It provides professional undergraduate education and practice-based postgraduate studies. The study encompasses Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Its educational philosophy reflects the cultural diversity of Hong Kong with emphasis on Chinese and Western traditions, and interdisciplinary learning.
Since 2008, the Academy has attained the Programme Area Accreditation (PAA) status awarded by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) to self-monitor and accredit its own Undergraduate and Post-secondary programmes in the five programme areas of Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Since 2016, the PAA status has been extended to cover Master’s Degree programmes and below. The programmes operated by the School of Chinese Opera are accredited by HKCAAVQ for recognition under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework.
Besides the main campus in Wanchai, Béthanie, the site of the Academy’s Landmark Heritage Campus in Pokfulam, has housed training facilities for the School of Film and Television since 2006.