Handel’s tale of intrigue and impropriety in ancient Rome receives its first Met performances, with star mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato as the controlling, power-hungry Agrippina. Sir David McVicar’s production ingeniously reframes the action of this black comedy about the abuse of power to “the present,” where it should loudly resonate.
The all-star cast conducted by Harry Bicket features mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey as Agrippina’s son and future emperor Nerone, in addition to soprano Brenda Rae as the seductive Poppea and countertenor Iestyn Davies as the ambitious officer Ottone.