Monteverdi: The Coronation of Poppea

Love, power, morality, corruption… Monteverdi’s final masterpiece The Coronation of Poppea is often described as his greatest achievement, combining mythic and very human themes, and featuring some of his most glorious music.

One of the first operas to use historical events and people, it tells the story of Nero’s infatuation with the young and beautiful Poppea as she tries to make him divorce his wife Ottavia and take her as his new queen and empress of Rome.

Directed by James Conway and conducted by Michael Rosewell, The Coronation of Poppea is rich, complex and thoroughly modern work; a world populated by ruthless and all-too-human characters where lust and ambition ultimately triumph over virtue.

Revival production, sung in English
Touring with a live period orchestra
Running time: 2 hours 40 minutes (incl. interval)