George Frederick Handel’s AGRIPPINA

Handel’s comedy is presented in David McVicar’s 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 … The Met Opera is Handel’s house in Agrippina … Played with electric vividness, and starring a guns-blazing Joyce DiDonato … bold, snicker-out-loud-funny, magnetic … Conducting from the harpsichord, Harry Bicket kept the pace crisp and headlong … The singers were fearless … Handel died more than 250 years ago, but at the Met he seems more vital than ever.” —The New York Times

Production year 2020
Duration 175min.
Production Company The Metropolitan Opera
Composer George Frederick Handel
Conductor Harry Bicket
Orchestra / Band The Metropolitan Opera
Soloist Joyce DiDonato
Soloist Brenda Rae
Soloist Kate Lindsey
Soloist Iestyn Davies
Stage Director Sir David McVicar