Cleopatra
The true revelation of the premiere turned out to be Dorota Szczepańska as Cleopatra – alternately sensual and despairing, mocking and in love, combative and submissive. Her queen exuded sex appeal and a graceful, dance-like lightness, combined with impeccable singing characterized by resonant high notes and effortless coloraturas.
— Jacek Marczyński „Ruch Muzyczny”
Dorota Szczepańska as Cleopatra created a rare portrayal in the world of opera theater. Historical accounts tell us that Cleopatra was beautiful, and the young singer was exactly that, from the tips of her graceful legs in golden heels to her expressive eyes. She was supposed to charm Caesar, and she did just that (as well as enchanting the audience). With vocal ease, she delivered Handel’s fiorituras, and in the famous lament aria Piangerò in Act III, she performed not only with despair but also with the anger fitting for the drama of the situation.
— Małgorzata Komorowska „Teatralny”
The true brilliance of the evening comes from Dorota Szczepańska in the role of Cleopatra. As soon as she begins singing V’adoro, pupille, she envelops the stage with an enchanting vocal light. Her natural charisma and stage presence elevate every note, particularly in Piangerò la sorte mia, where she manages to deeply move the audience with her interpretation, filled with sorrow and grandeur. She portrays a Cleopatra who is both powerful and fragile, in a performance that transcends the minor technical flaws of the production.
— Pedro Medeiros „BaroquiadeS”
Cleopatra, as interpreted by Dorota Szczepańska, is pure virtuosity—both in acting and singing. Her Cleopatra captivates with every phrase of refined expression and the finesse of her coloratura passages.
Dorota Szczepańska successfully portrayed Cleopatra (soprano), with a voice that is well-positioned, strong, and agile. The singer beautifully captured Cleopatra’s coquettish tone, becoming a worthy successor to Olga Pasiecznik, who played this role years ago at the Warsaw Chamber Opera under the direction of Stefan Sutkowski.
Musically, theatrically, and in terms of movement, she absolutely stood out in the performance, taking the lead position. Dorota Szczepańska, constantly changing her flesh-colored costumes, wigs, and shoes, and flirting with everyone—not just Caesar—kept the audience closely watching to see what more the artist had to offer. The absolute highlight of her performance was the most famous aria Piangerò la sorte mia, which lingers in memory for a long time.
GIULIO CESARE | Jakub Monowid
CLEOPATRA | Dorota Szczepańska
SESTO | Kacper Szelążek
CORNELIA | Joanna Motulewicz
TOLOMEO | Nicholas Tamagna
ACHILLA | Mariusz Godlewski
NIRENO | Artur Plinta
CURIO | Łukasz Górczyński
Adam Banaszak / musical direction
Włodzimierz Nurkowski / direction and staging
Anna Sekuła / set design and costumes
Warsaw Chamber Opera Vocal Ensemble
Musicae Antiquae Collegium Varsoviense
