New star diva Samantha Clarke rules the Nile as Cleopatra in Pinchgut’s Julius Caesar

Rising star soprano Samantha Clarke makes a stunning debut as Cleopatra in Handel’s Julius Caesar.

Samantha Clarke in Pinchgut Opera's production of Handel's Julius Caesar. Picture: Brett Boardman

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Hailed as “one of the most important moments in Australian history”, Australian British soprano Samantha Clarke made her debut in the role of Cleopatra in Pinchgut Opera’s stunning production of Handel’s Julius Caesar.

In her second appearance with the company – she appeared earlier in the year in a joint Opera Australia concert production of Handel’s oratorio Theodora – audiences get to see a performance which artistic director Erin Helyard rightly says is “as iconic and unforgettable as when Yvonne Kenny took on the role in the 1990s”. In fact the revered Australian diva has mentored Clarke – and it shows not only in the quality of the young singer’s voice but also in her artistic sensibility and stage presence.

The production of Handel’s most popular opera also marks the Australian debuts of two exciting British counter tenors in Tim Mead, in the title role, and Hugh Cutting, as Tolomeo, Cleopatra’s ruthless brother and King of Egypt.

Directed by Neil Armfield, the desert setting is cleverly evoked by Damien Cooper’s subtle lighting and Dale Ferguson’s minimal props, with a giant see-through pyramid inside of which Helyard directs the Orchestra of the Antipodes from the harpsichord. Costumes are in muted colours and include desert fatigues with red berets and sunglasses and others with subtle Egyptian touches.

Clarke is superb in her showcase arias V’adoro, pupille – sung from one of the boxes overlooking the stage with a small band of musicians – and the lament Piangero la sort mia gives full scope for her rich and creamy tone. There’s drama and fire aplenty here as well, and some nice touches of comedy between her and her lover Caesar.

Samantha Clarke and Hugh Cutting as Egypt’s brother and sister rulers Cleopatra and Tolomeo. Picture: Brett Boardman

Mead heads a first-class supporting cast and shows extraordinary control and rich power in his arias. There is also strong chemistry between him and Clarke. Cutting is similarly impressive as the unscrupulous Tolomeo, and bass-baritone Andrew O’Connor, as ever, is excellent as Tolomeo’s brutish and crude henchman and general Achilla, who lusts after Cornelia (Stephanie Dillon), widow of Caesar’s defeated enemy Pompeo, whose head he unceremoniously dumps centre stage.

Mezzo Helen Sherman is convincing in the pants role as Cornelia’s son Sesto, who vows revenge on his father’s killers, and local counter tenor Michael Burden shows a fine comedic touch as Cleopatra’s servant Nireno while Sydney bass-baritone Philip Barton makes an impact as Caesar’s ally Curio.

Tim Mead and Matthew Greco share a duet in Julius Caesar. Picture: Brett Boardman

There’s a lovely moment of whimsy when concertmaster Matthew Greco emerges from under the pyramid for a violin duet with Mead.

Julius Caesar is being performed at City Recital Hall on Saturday, November 23, at 2pm; Sunday, November 24, at 5pm; Tuesday, November 26, at 11am, and Wednesday, November 27, at 7pm. If you get the chance I urge you to go along to see it. Clarke is something special and is worth the price of the ticket alone.

DETAILS

• CONCERT Pinchgut Opera: Julius Caesar by Handel

• WHERE City Recital Hall

• WHEN November 21, 2024