Orchestre de l’Agora et Atelier lyrique | Poppea, Masterful and Triumphant

by Elena Mandolini

The Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal and the Orchestre de l’Agora joined forces on Saturday evening to present Claudio Monteverdi’s mysterious opera The Coronation of Poppea. The limited size of Salle Pierre-Mercure at UQAM’s Centre Pierre-Péladeau did not prevent the performers from delivering a grandiose performance. An effective staging and a high-calibre cast made for an unsettling and memorable evening.

Monteverdi’s opera is said to be full of mystery, since Monteverdi’s original version has disappeared, and the stagings are reconstructions made possible by musicological research. Despite this, the opera is considered a jewel of the Italian repertoire and continues to fascinate audiences even nearly 400 years after its premiere. The libretto recounts the adventures of Poppea, lover of Emperor Nero, who wishes to ascend to the throne. After repudiating his wife Octavia, Nero marries Poppea, making her empress of Rome. Behind this argument based in ancient Rome lie timeless dilemmas: the struggle between love and duty, and the internal contradictions that inhabit us all.

The emotional complexity of the libretto is effectively represented by Aria Umezawa’s staging. The sets, initially uncluttered and open, become increasingly loaded with various objects left on stage by the singers. This makes the opera’s final tableau one of its most visually overloaded, illustrating the decadence and desolation suggested by the work. The costumes, too, are thoughtful and evocative, even allowing for dress changes in a matter of moments, right on stage.

As for the performers, both on stage and in the orchestra pit, they are all of exceptional quality. If one was initially concerned about the acoustics (the Orchestre de l’Agora, conducted by Nicolas Ellis, playing on period instruments for the occasion), one is quickly reassured. Each instrument is clearly audible, and in no way rivals the voices. Everything is perfectly calibrated in this respect.

The vocal quality of the singers is complemented by convincing acting that brings to life a whole range of emotions. We tremble at Nero’s anger (Ilanna Starr), worry at Poppea’s ambition (Emma Fekete), are moved by Seneca’s (Matthew Li) death, and are torn by Ottone’s (Ian Sabourin) dilemmas. All interpret the most difficult and virtuosic passages with ease and agility. All performances are to be commended and warmly applauded.

The Coronation of Poppea saw several forces unite to deliver a most spectacular performance. We can only congratulate them and look forward to another such collaboration.

Latest 360 Content

Lifeguard – Ripped and Torn

Lifeguard – Ripped and Torn

Brainwasher – At Least It Beats an Actor

Brainwasher – At Least It Beats an Actor

Nicholas Daniel – Complete Works for Oboe by Madeleine Dring

Nicholas Daniel – Complete Works for Oboe by Madeleine Dring

Christine Tassan; Marie-Véronique Bourque – Bruissement boréal

Christine Tassan; Marie-Véronique Bourque – Bruissement boréal

Lanaudière Festival | Metropolitan Orchestra/Yannick Nézet-Séguin/Marc-André Hamelin: When Nature Drives the Concert

Lanaudière Festival | Metropolitan Orchestra/Yannick Nézet-Séguin/Marc-André Hamelin: When Nature Drives the Concert

Festival de Lanaudière | Sol Gabetta : Queen of the cello meets les Violons du Roy

Festival de Lanaudière | Sol Gabetta : Queen of the cello meets les Violons du Roy

The “rodas de samba” That Never End

The “rodas de samba” That Never End

Friday night at the Dômesicle – All night long with Jump Source

Friday night at the Dômesicle – All night long with Jump Source

Éli Doyon et la Tempête – Attraper le ciel avant qu’il tombe

Éli Doyon et la Tempête – Attraper le ciel avant qu’il tombe

Barbara Hannigan; Katia et Marielle Labèque – Electric Fields

Barbara Hannigan; Katia et Marielle Labèque – Electric Fields

Fire, Fungi, and Family Fun: The ShazamFest XX Experience

Fire, Fungi, and Family Fun: The ShazamFest XX Experience

Festival de Lanaudière | Kent Nagano: The eternal, and always welcome, return

Festival de Lanaudière | Kent Nagano: The eternal, and always welcome, return

Tyler, the Creator – DON’T TAP THE GLASS

Tyler, the Creator – DON’T TAP THE GLASS

Off Piknic with Gorgon City, Dennis Ferrer, Riordan, and Linska

Off Piknic with Gorgon City, Dennis Ferrer, Riordan, and Linska

Jeff Bridges – Slow Magic, 1977-1978

Jeff Bridges – Slow Magic, 1977-1978

Piknic Electronik | DJ Fuckoff Turns Up The Heat for Pep Rally

Piknic Electronik | DJ Fuckoff Turns Up The Heat for Pep Rally

Orford 2025 | Collectif9: folk that innovates and grooves

Orford 2025 | Collectif9: folk that innovates and grooves

Nuits d’Afrique 2025 | The next global star of Tuareg blues is born, and it is in Montreal

Nuits d’Afrique 2025 | The next global star of Tuareg blues is born, and it is in Montreal

Ruby Creek – Forget Me Not

Ruby Creek – Forget Me Not

Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out

Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out

Ross Lee Finney : Landscapes Remembered

Ross Lee Finney : Landscapes Remembered

Lanaudière Festival | The Sparkle of Strauss, Schumann, and Brahms in Joliette

Lanaudière Festival | The Sparkle of Strauss, Schumann, and Brahms in Joliette

Wet Leg – moisturizer

Wet Leg – moisturizer

Sister Ray – Believer

Sister Ray – Believer

Subscribe to our newsletter