Agrippina

Highlights

• Witness one of the most famous comedies by Handel at the Met Opera this season!

A centuries-old opera comes back to life; watch Agrippina in New York

Agrippina is a three-act opera seria by George Frederic Handel and ornate with a beautiful libretto by Cardinal Vincenzo Grimani. Handel composed this piece during the last days of his 3-year stopover in Italy. On 26th December 1709, it premiered at the Teatro San Giovanni Grisostomo in Venice. It hit success immediately and, soon, 27 unmatched performances followed in succession. The public loved it but Handel didn’t promote any more stagings. Agrippina was revived in the 20th century in Germany and followed premiers is America and Britain. Now, Agrippina is in New York and all set to give you a memorable experience.

Expect one thing and find another

Handel is an established and one of the most creative opera writers, who has given birth to a plethora of Italian operas. In Agrippina, characters like Emperor Claudius and the group of political conspirators might make it appear as a play with a grave tone. Agrippina herself will give you a serious vibe, especially because she is Claudius’ fourth wife and also the sister of the ill-famed Emperor Caligula.

Elements such as a dangerous blame-game and an assassination attempt using poison would, in no manner, make it look like a comedy. But, Handel is capable of picking up all these bits and shaping an entertaining comedy out of them while effortlessly and brilliantly handling the characters and their importance. He keeps it fresh while using his cleverly composed music that speaks both emotions and intensity. Agrippina had its premiere in 1710 on the World of Opera and is often regarded as Handel’s masterpiece by today’s critics.

The Agrippina New York black comedy is getting its first MET revival with this new production. It stars the renowned mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato in the role of the powerful Agrippina. Alongside her is another celebrated mezzo-soprano, Kate Lindsey, who is playing the character of Agrippa’s son, Nerone. Sir David McVicar is leading this production, with Harry Bicket as the conductor.

A complicated story that will split you in laughter

When Agrippina comes to know that Emperor Claudius, her husband, was killed by a sea storm, she decides to save the throne for Nero, who is her son from a previous marriage. With some help from Narcissus and Pallas, Nero is made the new Emperor. But, it appears that Claudius is alive as Otho saved him. Grateful, Claudius announces that Otho is going to become the heir to the throne. If you think these matters are complicated, you will be thrilled to know that this isn’t everything.

Otho, Nero and Claudius are all head over heels for Poppaea, the courtesan. The story entangles further as the Emperor tries to find a proper solution. But, with time, their thoughts are fluctuating and their choices are changing. It is not going to be easy to resolve this matter. What are all of them going to do? Catch the Agrippina New York production for enough fun to last for days to come.

Additional

• Performance Information

  Leading Roles
  Brenda Rae as Poppea
  Joyce Didonato as Agrippina
  Kate Lindsey as Nerone
  Matthew Rose as Claudio
  Duncan Rock as Pallante
  Iestyn Davies as Ottone

  Produced by
  Sir David McVicar

  Conducted by
  Harry Bicket

  Set Design
  John MacFarlane

  Choreographed by
  Andrew George

• Performance Times

  6th, 13th, 17th, and 25th of February, and 3rd of March 2020: 7:30 PM
  22nd February and 7th March 2020: 8:00 PM
  9th February 2020: 3:00 PM
  29th February 2020: 1:00 PM

• Getting your tickets

  You will receive your tickets via email confirmation shortly after booking. Please display a printout and valid photo ID at the box office.

• Theatre Information

  The theatre has a seating capacity of 3,800. It is wheelchair accessible, and has an in-house bar and cloakroom.

• Cancellation Policy

  Tickets cannot be cancelled, amended or refunded.