Monteverdi at the RCM

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Next week we’ll be unveiling our latest opera production: a brand new production of Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea.

L’incoronazione di Poppea (The Coronation of Poppaea), tells the story of how the Roman emperor Nero spurns his wife in favour of his attractive young mistress. Composed in Venice in 1642, it is Monteverdi’s final opera, and features perhaps some of his most glorious music.

To direct, we’re delighted to welcome back an old friend: James Conway, Artistic Director of English Touring Opera. His RCM visit comes hot on the heels of his latest success: a production of The Emperor of Atlantis, staged at the Royal Opera House in September, which received a series of 5 star rave reviews in the national press and was described in The Guardian as “hauntingly powerful and highly recommended”.

As always, this RCM production offers audiences a unique early glimpse of the opera stars of tomorrow. RCM regulars might recall that the title role in the 2006 production of Poppea was shared by Sophie Bevan and Pumeza Matshiza, both of whom have gone on to international stardom. Following in their footsteps in 2012 are two more incredible young singers: award-winning sopranos Katherine Crompton (“outstanding” – The Evening Standard) and Louise Alder (“a born actress… fluent and expressive” – Opera magazine).

Visit www.rcm.ac.uk/poppea to find out more and to watch behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with director James Conway and cast member Louise Alder.

Performances of Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea take place at 7pm on 27, 28 and 30 November and 1 December in the RCM’s Britten Theatre. Tickets cost between £10 and £40, and are available from the RCM’s Box Office on 020 7591 4314, www.rcm.ac.uk/boxoffice.