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.