At the 88th Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival, George Frideric Handel’s Giulio Cesare in Egitto will return to the stage from June 14 to 25, 2026, in a new production by the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. Premiered in London in 1724, this opera in three acts is one of Handel’s greatest masterpieces and a cornerstone of the Baroque repertoire. With its dazzling vocal writing, dramatic intensity, and emotional depth, Giulio Cesare has fascinated audiences for three centuries.

The historical plot follows Julius Caesar after his victory over Pompey at Pharsalus. In Egypt, Caesar encounters political intrigue and the rival siblings Cleopatra and Ptolemy. What begins as a battle of power and seduction between Caesar and Cleopatra transforms into a passionate love story, set against a backdrop of betrayal, war, and ambition. Handel enriches this tale with some of his most famous arias, including Cleopatra’s “V’adoro, pupille” and Caesar’s moving laments.

The 2026 Florence production brings together an outstanding international cast, with countertenor Raffaele Pe as Giulio Cesare and soprano Mariangela Sicilia as Cleopatra. Under the baton of Gianluca Capuano, the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra will highlight the richness and brilliance of Handel’s score. Davide Livermore’s staging, with sets by Giò Forma and video design by D-Wok, promises a visually captivating spectacle, blending Baroque splendor with modern theatricality.