Purchase College Opera Presents L’incoronazione di Poppea

“The first opera ever written, in1643, L’incoronazione di Poppea (The Coronation of Poppea) chronicles the sordid political and historical events of Nero’s Rome and the wanton destruction of justice in the pursuit of his lustful wishes for a new queen, Poppea,” said Jacque Trussel, Stage Director of Purchase Opera.

He continued, “I think it is essential that our students research historical musical structures as well as the historical figures represented in the various time periods of the operatic repertoire. In this opera we parallel Roman historical figures to current officials in our present-day political system. Time continues to enforce the idea that history and human nature never change. Our task is to portray both honestly.”

The production features students from the Purchase College Conservatory of Music’s Purchase Symphony in collaboration with the Department of Opera Performance and Vocal Studies. This highly selective program has garnered 20 plus top awards from the National Opera Association for its acclaimed productions.

Born 450 years ago in Italy, Claudio Monteverdi was a contemporary of Shakespeare, and like the English playwright also was drawn to writing the full range of human emotions and bringing depth to all his characters, including the most morally questionable.

Performances will take place in the Recital Hall of the Purchase College Performing Arts Center. The opera is performed in Italian with English subtitles and runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

Performances will be held Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m., Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 12 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 13 at 1 p.m.

Adult tickets are $25. Discounts are available for Purchase College students and seniors. To order tickets, visit www.artscenter.org or call 914.251.6200.