Synopsis

Handel’s breakout opera masterpiece, Agrippina offers a wryly satirical look at the political maneuverings and personal entanglements of the Roman emperor Claudius, his cadre of advisers and hangers-on, and his cunning wife, Agrippina. During the 2019–20 season, the Baroque black comedy had its long-awaited Met premiere in new production by Sir David McVicar that updated the action to the present age. In this Live in HD transmission, mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato delivers a knockout performance of the title role, a woman who will stop at nothing to get her depraved son, Nero (sung by mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey), on the throne. Harry Bicket conducts an exquisite ensemble cast, which also features soprano Brenda Rae in her debut season as Poppea, countertenor Iestyn Davies as Ottone, countertenor Nicholas Tamagna as Narciso, baritone Duncan Rock as Pallante, and bass Matthew Rose as Claudio.