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L'INCORONAZIONE DI POPPEA

Claudio Monteverdi
Dramma per musica in three acts by Claudio Monteverdi
Libretto by Francesco Busenello
A Production of Festival d'Aix-en-Provence
In co-operation with Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, Opéra Rennes, Opéra de Toulon and Opera Cologne
Events and Tickets
Scene from The Coronation of Poppea by Claudio Monteverdi: Poppea kneels in a light-colored dress, leaning intensely toward Nero, who sits opposite her and gazes at her attentively. Warm orange lighting creates a sensual and tension-filled atmosphere. In the background, a row of figures watches the scene unfold. A large cylindrical stage element emphasizes the production’s minimalist, modern aesthetic.
The Coronation Of Poppea by Claudio Monteverdi © Paul Leclaire
Dramma per musica in three acts by Claudio Monteverdi
Libretto by Francesco Busenello
A Production of Festival d'Aix-en-Provence
In co-operation with Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, Opéra Rennes, Opéra de Toulon and Opera Cologne
Events and Tickets

Description

In a dispute with Fortuna and Virtù over supremacy over humankind, Amor seeks to prove that love alone stands above all else. Thus Poppea rises to become Empress of Rome through Nero’s love for her – and yet: “love” is the wrong word. What is at play is an erotic driving force, through which manipulation is carried out ruthlessly and power is exercised. Whoever loves has already lost, and anyone who stands in the way of Poppea’s interests is mercilessly cast aside – Nero’s wife Ottavia as well as the teacher and philosopher Seneca. With sensuous delight and without remorse, accompanied by some of the most beautiful and passionate music early Baroque opera has to offer, Poppea and Nero revel in their victory.

Ted Huffman first staged THE CORONATION OF POPPEA in 2022 for the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, whose artistic direction he assumed at the beginning of 2026. With Alessandro Quarta, an expert in Baroque music, in the orchestra pit, the opera house is in the best of hands.

participants

Musikalische Leitung

cast

Poppea

Nerone

Virtù / Ottavia

Ottone

Seneca

Arnalta / Nutrice / Famigliare I / Damigella

Fortuna / Drusilla

Amore / Valetto

Lucano / Soldato I / Famigliare II

Liberto / Soldato II

Littore / Famigliare III

Orchester

Please refer to the respective event listings for the current cast.

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Pur ti miro, pur ti godo

en.: I gaze at you, I delight in you. – Nerone und Poppea
A production of the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence
In cooperation with the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía
In cooperation with the Opéra de Rennes
In cooperation with the Opéra de Toulon