A dramaturg, a renowned actress, an Egyptologist, a Shakespeare expert, an art historian, an opera singer, and Samuel Barber’s biographer walk into… well, not a bar, at least to start with. As a warmup for NYCO’s only opera production of the season, Antony and Cleopatra, the company will present “What Becomes a Legend Most,” a five-hour symposium on the life and lore of the notorious Egyptian queen. Soprano Elizabeth Futral (left) highlights the program with a recital of Cleopatra music of “many styles and periods,” and dramaturg Cori Ellison (not pictured) will be on hand for all the dramaturgy you can eat.

“Legend” kicks off at noon on Saturday, January 10 at the Miller Theater at Columbia University, and La Cieca is sure you’ll be interested in more details.