How to Crown and Deify an Empress

February 28, 2009 - Here's a rehearsal of the title moment of The Coronation of Poppea. Monteverdi throws in a deification by Venus just for kicks. Click here to view the video.

Also, while tickets are going fast for this fabulous show, there are still some good seats to be had. Click here to get yours today.

See you at the opera!

Another rehearsal video

February 26, 2009 - Anyone who thinks that nothing happens in baroque opera should watch this. In this scene from the opening of Act III, Drusilla is wrongly accused by Arnalta of attempting to kill Poppea. She is arrested and is resolved to face execution at Nero's command to protect her lover Ottone (who is in fact the would-be assassin of Poppea, whom he formerly loved). Ottone enters and confesses that it was he who attempted to kill Poppea but only because he was commanded to do it by the Empress Octavia. Thrilled that Ottone has given him an excuse to divorce Octavia, Nero exiles rather than executes Ottone. Drusilla begs to be allowed to follow Ottone into exile and her wish is granted. This clip is too large to post directly into the blog so click here to view it.

Tickets for this production are going fast. Poppea requests your presence at her coronation. Don't disappoint her. Click here to purchase tickets.

Glimpse of a Rehearsal

February 20, 2009 - This week has been filled with a lot of intense musical and staging rehearsals, so I haven't had much time to post anything to the blog. Today, I had a chance to shoot a little video of a scene in Act II where Nero shows that intimacy with the emperor doesn't always turn out as one would expect. Enjoy.

Performances are March 6, 8, 12, and 14. Click here to purchase tickets.

What the Plebs are Wearing

February 11, 2009 - Well everyone liked the imperial raiment so much that I thought I'd show you what some of the "lower classes" are wearing in our upcoming production of The Coronation of Poppea.

First up, Ottone, the good man that Poppea dallied with before she "traded up" to Nero.

And then there's Drusilla, one of Octavia's ladies in waiting, who loves Ottone and ends up getting herself in trouble because of that love. Ladies beware of lending your boyfriend your clothes - I'm just saying. . .

Then there's the horny little servant couple (there's always one of those in the best operas, right?) Valletto and Damigella (spoiler alert - Valletto is actually that randy little god Love).

And finally there's two comic servant parts Arnalta and Nutrice (both female characters played by tenors - a favorite gender-blending trick of 17th century composers and playwrights).

Imperial Raiment

February 5, 2009 - As part of the design element of The Coronation of Poppea coming together, our wonderful costume designer Jennifer Tardiff has produced some stunning sketches. Please to enjoy the sketches for Nero,

his no longer desired wife Octavia,

and his goodtime girl Poppea both before and after coronation.

Auditions, Poppea, and Galas, Oh My

February 3, 2009 - Just a brief post to update you on what's been going on here at OV recently.

Auditions - second round of auditions for the 2009-2010 season will be held this coming Friday and Saturday. Final casting decisions will be made shortly thereafter.

The Coronation of Poppea - beginning total immersion in this sublime and luxurious baroque masterpiece. The music is so transcendently beautiful that it can take you breath away. Click here for an example: the final love duet between Nero and Poppea. Possibly the hottest music ever composed. Click here to buy a ticket.

When the Clock Strikes Twelve - details are firming up for OV's annual fundraising gala, this year with a Cinderella/fairy-tale theme. It will be held on May 16th from 8-11pm at the glorious Stanford White-designed Winans Mansion (1217 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202) which has been meticulously restored by Agora Publishing. Tickets are $100. Call 410.547.7997 to get more details or to purchase a ticket to one of the most fun parties in town this spring.

See you at the opera.