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.
SZCZEPAŃSKA
Polish soprano born in Warsaw, currently based in Hannover, cooperating with outstanding artists gaining recognition from the audience and critics. In the opera repertoire specializing mainly in the music of the Baroque and Classicism eras, but able to find herself in many musical styles, constantly looking for connections between classical and popular music.
In 2025, she made her debut at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg alongside lautten compagney BERLIN and the Monteverdi Chor Hamburg under the baton of Antonius Adamske. In the same season, she performed the title role in A. Scarlatti’s „Griselda” with Sonia Prina, conducted by Vittorio Ghielmi with Il Suonar Parlante at the All’improvviso Festival, the role of Eurydice in Gluck’s Orphée et Eurydice (Paris version, 1774), alongside Juan Sancho under the direction of Camille Delaforge, as well as the soprano part in Bach’s „St Matthew Passion” under Jan Willem de Vriend, together with, among others, Jess Dandy and Laurence Kilsby, at the National Philharmonic in Warsaw. She also performed alongside Howard Arman as Semele by Haendel; Trevor Pinnock as Maria in „Lazarus” by Schubert; Christina Pluhar and L’Arpeggiata at the Baltic Sea Festival in Stockholm together with, among others, Céline Sheen and Vincenzo Capezzuto as well as in Herrenhausen Hannover with Rolando Villazón; Philippe Jaroussky singing Ismene in Mozart’s „Mitridate re di Ponto” under his baton; Topi Lehtipuu and Silvia Frigato at Teatro Carlo Felice in Genova. She performed the role of Cleopatra in Handel’s „Giulio Cesare” together with Yuryi Mynenko, Nicholas Tamagna and Ray Chenez at the Warsaw Chamber Opera conducted by Adam Banaszak. She recorded the title role in Stradella’s opera „La Circe” together with Mauro Borgioni conducted by Andrea de Carlo; „Ave Maria” with the London Symphony Orchestra by Krzysztof. A. Janczak and many movie soundtracks as well as CDs, also for the ARCANA, DUX and NAXOS label.
In addition to her solo career, Dorota Szczepańska also creates her own projects in collaboration with outstanding artists :
Lamento Project
a musical journey through emotion
Created by soprano Dorota Szczepańska, lutenist Alon Sariel, and jazz bassist Peter Schwebs, Lamento Project is a one-of-a-kind fusion of Baroque and popular music. In exquisite new arrangements Händel, Monteverdi, and Purcell meet the sounds of Sting, Adele, and film scores, blending centuries of music into a powerful story of longing, love, and resilience. With her soaring vocals, Dorota Szczepańska takes listeners on an emotional ride, while Krzysztof A. Janczak’s specially composed Lament of Miranda adds the perfect final touch to this spellbinding experience.
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Corde Dell’Anima
„Strings of the Soul” in a Baroque dialogue
Renowned soprano Dorota Szczepańska and the master of mandolin Alon Sariel invite you on an extraordinary musical journey into the heart of the Baroque era. In Corde dell’Anima, the delicate resonance of the mandolin intertwines with the expressive timbre of the human voice, creating a magical dialogue filled with elegance and emotion. Rarely performed arias by Italian composers, mandolin concertos by Paisiello and Vivaldi, and intricately woven dramatic tension make this event a true feast for connoisseurs of Baroque music.
Cantar e Pizzicar
Baroque in full splendor
In the world of the Baroque, where music tells stories brimming with passion, Cantar e Pizzicar emerges as a project that embraces the contrasts of the era—dramatic intensity, delicate emotions, and dazzling virtuosity. Its title, blending cantar(to sing) and pizzicar (to pluck), captures the essence of this extraordinary concert, where voice and instruments intertwine to create captivating musical narratives.
The stage unites exceptional artists : soprano Dorota Szczepańska, countertenor Rafał Tomkiewicz, mandolin virtuoso Alon Sariel, violinist and conductor Martyna Pastuszka, and the renowned {oh!} Orchestra—celebrated for historically informed performances bursting with expression and Baroque temperament.
The program showcases Baroque gems, from Telemann’s Concerto Polonois and the arias of Vinci, Albinoni, Hasse, to Handel and Scarlatti. Virtuosic mandolin and violin concertos intertwine with the raw emotional power of operatic arias, revealing the full brilliance of the Baroque era. Cantar e Pizzicar is a meeting of extraordinary musical personalities who bring passion, artistry, and electrifying energy to this unforgettable journey.
