Abandoning her old lover, Poppea only has eyes for Emperor Nero…and his crown. Ottavia, Nero’s wife and empress, crafts elaborate schemes and issues dire threats to hold onto her husband. But when the gods are on Poppea’s side, how can she lose? Love might conquer all, but it leaves a trail of destruction.

One of the first operas inspired by historical events and people, Monteverdi’s 1642 Baroque masterpiece tells a dramatic story of passion and intrigue with some of the most transcendently beautiful music in all of opera. It’s presented here in a new production at SCPA’s intimate Corbett Theater under the direction of the “superbly imaginative” (Parterre Box) Zack Winokur. A world-class cast—led by Grammy-nominated soprano Talise Trevigne in the title role and "vocally brilliant" countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo as Emperor Nero (The New York Times)—joins the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and members of the early music ensemble Catacoustic Consort in realizing Monteverdi’s exquisite score.