The Coronation of Poppea at Daylesford

Following its critically acclaimed production of Rossini’s La Cenerentola in 2022, Lyster Opera is now touring with the early music masterpiece The Coronation of Poppea.

Composed in 1643 for the Venice Festival by the most acclaimed composer of the day, Claudio Monteverdi, The Coronation of Poppea was an immediate success and was played across Europe. The score then mysteriously disappeared for over two centuries, and when it was rediscovered, it was met with renewed acclaim.

The story is set on Mount Olympus, where three goddesses compete to establish their supremacy over the mortal world. They set into action the story of the Emperor Nero, who is determined to have his mistress Poppea ascend the throne – but needs to remove a few obstacles along the way, including anyone who might stand in the way.

Monteverdi’s music is sweeping in its emotion, ranging from humour to romance to revenge. The roles of Poppea and Nero are sung by soprano Piera Dennerstein and tenor Hew Wagner, with Helen Koehne as the Empress Ottavia, Michael Lampard as Poppea’s discarded lover Ottone and Kerrie Ann Bolton as Poppea’s nurse, Arnalta. The goddeses are sung by Mandy Lyn Brook, Angelique Tot and Adelaide Soccio Greenaway, with Troy Castle and Josh Morton-Galea as the soldiers Liberto and Lucano. Pamela Christie returns as musical director and accompanist.

For director Jamie Moffat, who is also singing the role of Seneca, The Coronation of Poppea presents special challenges. “It's important to not treat it as a museum piece,” he says. “It’s a witty and really theatrical work, so we shouldn’t smother it with too much reverence. It clearly wasn’t intended by its creators to be taken literally. At the same time, we shouldn’t be gimmicky about it. It has survived over the centuries because its story and music are so strong.”

Lyster Opera will be performing the opera in English in an edition edited by conductor Raymond Leppard. New costumes designed by Maddy Connellan will be featured. The performance will include a brief talk by Rachel Buckley.

The Coronation of Poppea will be performed at Oxley Shire Hall on May 27 at 2pm and Christ Church Daylesford on June 3 at 2.30pm. Tickets are $35 and $28 (concession) from www.lysteropera.com.au Details: 0410 890 388.