This page is a non-commercial research entry within the Operatic LGBTQIA+ Catalogue. It does not claim authorship, ownership, or rights over the works discussed.

All rights remain with the respective authors, composers, librettists, publishers, companies, performers, and rights holders.

For performance, purchase, licensing, recordings, or rights-related requests, please contact the official rights holders.

Entries can be corrected, updated, expanded, or removed upon request.

< Back

Young Caesar

120

English

Synopsis

The opera follows the teenage Gaius (the young Julius Caesar) as he navigates his coming-of-age. Sent to the eastern kingdom of Bithynia as an emissary to secure ships from King Nicomedes, he is swept up in a passionate, sexually fluid love affair with the king. The story, which also includes his first fiancée Cossutia and his flight from Rome to escape the wrath of the dictator Sulla, focuses on the celebration of life and self-acceptance rather than the tragedy of being an outsider

Composer

Lou Harrison

Lyricist / Librettist / Playwright

Robert Gordon

Year of composition/publication / premiere

1970/1971

Genre

Opera

LGBTQAI+ category

Gay

Level of centrality

Main character

Characters

Gaius (the young Julius Caesar), Nicomedes (King of Bithynia)

Voice type

Bass-Baritone, Tenor

Pronouns

he/him

Publisher / Rights holder

Peer Music, Hamburg

Where to buy / access the work

A digital recording of the 2017 LA Philharmonic production is available for download from The Industry Records and other platforms.

Performance rights

For performance rights, please contact the composer and/or publisher to ensure legal compliance.