L’Incoronazione di Poppea

Christophe Rousset direction
Stephen Langridge staging
Alison Chitty design and costumes
Philippe Giraudeau choreography
Fabrice Kebour lights

Anne-Catherine Gillet Poppea
Marie-Nicole Lemieux Nerone
Alice Coote Octavia
Chantal Santon-Jeffery Fortuna
Delphine Galou Ottone
Mathias Vidal Arnalta
Emilie Renard Amore
Jean Teitgen Seneca
Judith van Wanroij Drusilla
Robert Getchell The nurse / First member of Senaca's
Catherine Trottmann Virtù / Damigella / Pallade
Lucia Martin Carton Valetto
Philippe Estèphe Mercurio / A lictor / First Consul
Manuel Nunez-Camelino Liberto / Second Soldier / A tribune
Emiliano Gonzalez Toro First Soldier / Lucano / Second member of Senaca's / A tribune
Thibault De Damas Third member of Senaca's / Second Consul

Les Talens Lyriques

Sung in Italian with French and English subtitles
Approximate running time 2h45

L'Incoronazione di Poppea is probably the first opera with a historical theme. However the political content ultimately takes second place and the work is essentially a depiction of a love which is all the more sublime and pure because it unites characters tarnished by evil and infamy, as recounted in the ancient Chronicles of Tacitus. Although this last opera by the Master of Cremona symbolises the birth of modern opera by inventing a new form of theatricality, it also innovates with bold rhythms, harmonies and vocals which intensify the dramatic impact. A reduced orchestra gives pride of place to singing, and the articulation of passion is made strikingly real by the luminous quality of the exposed voices.

Twenty-five years after first bringing it to the stage, Christophe Rousset refamiliarises himself with Monteverdi’s masterpiece with a top-flight cast led by the pairing of Anne-Catherine Gillet (Poppaea) and Marie-Nicole Lemieux (Nero). We shiver in anticipation of their closing “pur ti miro”. This elegant multifaceted gem will be staged by Stephen Langridge, who directed a refined Theodora at the Théâtre a few seasons ago, and has recently been appointed artistic director of the Glyndebourne Festival in addition to his duties at the Gothenburg Opera House.

 Wednesday 3 June 2020 6.30pm 
Meeting with the artistic team / Free entrance - Register online

NEW PRODUCTION
Coproduction Théâtre des Champs-Elysées / Théâtre du Capitole
En partenariat avec france.tv