AGRIPPINA

Handel's comedy in a thought-provoking new staging set in the modern day

Handel’s tale of intrigue and impropriety in ancient Rome features star mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato as the controlling, power-hungry Agrippina. Sir David McVicar’s production ingeniously reframes the action of this black comedy about the abuse of power and Agrippina’s mendacious efforts to put her son Nero on the throne to “the present,” where it should loudly resonate. “The law bows to power,” she announces early on.

The all-star cast features mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey as Agrippina’s son and future emperor Nerone, soprano Brenda Rae as the seductive Poppea, countertenor Iestyn Davies as the ambitious officer Ottone, and bass Matthew Rose as the weary emperor Claudius.

“A devilish delight… Played with electric vividness, and starring a guns-blazing Joyce DiDonato… Bold, snicker-out-loud-funny, magnetic… Handel died more than 250 years ago, but at the Met he seems more vital than ever.” - The New York Times

“Joyce DiDonato is rapturous in Agrippina … It’s a joy to have another Handel opera at the Met.” - Financial Times