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.
She 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; Topi Lehtipuu and Silvia Frigato at Teatro Carlo Felice in Genova, as well as the role of Cleopatra from 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 NAXOS label.
Interested in mix & mastering, photography and directing, Dorota has been developing her YouTube channel since 2020, presenting – in addition to the classical performances – her own interpretations of classical works and numerous covers.
Early 2022 saw the release of the first studio EP of LAMENTO PROJECT created together with Alon Sariel and Peter Schwebs.
And in July 2024, the EP HÄNDEL SHORTS was released, recorded together with Rafał Tomkiewicz (countertenor) and Alon Sariel (mandolin, lute, baroque guitar).
