Details

Sex, lies and murder collide in Monteverdi s sensual masterpiece of baroque opera, set against the fiery backdrop of the corrupt and debauched city of Rome. The battle between desire and virtue is portrayed in some of the most beautiful music ever written for the human voice. As her husband approaches, Poppea lies in an adulterous bed with the Emperor Nero. Her relentless ambition, feeding on Nero s power and wealth, sets in motion a series of events that will cast all around her into a sea of immorality and violence. Sponsored by the City of Rome.

Cast/Performers

Alice Coote (Poppea), David Walker (Nero), Eric Owens (Seneca), Michael Chance (Otho), Anne-Marie Owens (Arnalta), Sarah Connolly (Octavia), Susan Gritton (Drusilla), Linda Richardson (Virtue / Third Love), Kate Flowers (Lady in Waiting / Nurse / Fourth Love), Mark Le Brocq (First Soldier / First Friend), Toby Stafford Allen (Page), James Oxley (Captain of the Guard / Lucan), Mark Wilde (Second Soldier / Second Friend), Mark Beesley (Lictor / Third Friend), Carolyn Sampson (Cupid)

Creatives/Company

Author: Monteverdi
Company: English National Opera
Conductor: Harry Christophers
Director: Steven Pimlott
Design: Stefanos Lazaridis
Costume: Ingeborg Bernerth
Lighting: Peter Mumford
Translation: Christopher Cowell