BEMF Opera | 2015 Centerpiece Opera

The Monteverdi Trilogy

For the June 2015 Festival, our undertaking to produce all three of the extant operas of Claudio Monteverdi (1567–1643)—The Monteverdi Trilogy—with a cohesive artistic and scholarly vision, is a momentous occasion in the modern revival of Baroque opera. Monteverdi was the first great genius in the history of opera, and the imposing quality of these individual works is universally recognized. Ulisse, Poppea, and Orfeo have inspired a virtual explosion of performance and scholarship over the past half century; BEMF’s incomparable team of internationally respected leaders—Musical Directors Paul O’Dette and Stephen Stubbs, Stage Director Gilbert Blin, and Concertmaster Robert Mealy—together with an all-star cast of singers and instrumentalists, will bring all three of these iconic masterpieces to life, in multiple and conveniently scheduled staged performances throughout our extraordinary Festival Week.

Monteverdi's Poppea

Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 7pm
Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 3:30pm
Boston University Theatre, Boston

Monteverdi’s final and most profound opera, L’incoronazione di Poppea, was first performed in Venice in 1643, only months before his death. Its exploration of the abuse of power, the drive of lust, and the triumph of love is as relevant and intriguing today as it was over three and a half centuries ago, and shows Monteverdi at the height of his powers. The smoldering center of this masterpiece is the Roman Emperor Nero’s obsessive love for the beautiful Poppea, which is brought to life by Australian countertenor David Hansen as Nerone and American soprano Amanda Forsythe as Poppea. BEMF’s GRAMMY Award-Winning Musical Directors lead a revival of the critically acclaimed 2009 production of this extraordinary work.

Monteverdi's Ulisse

Sunday, June 7, 2015 at 3:30pm
Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 7pm
Friday, June 12, 2015 at 7pm
Boston University Theatre, Boston

Monteverdi’s Il Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria tells the epic story of the return of the Greek hero Ulysses to his kingdom of Ithaca a full decade after the fall of Troy. In his long absence, three power-hungry suitors have been wooing his faithful queen, Penelope. Aided by the goddess of wisdom, Ulysses reclaims his kingdom and the hand of his beloved. The intense drama comes alive through Monteverdi’s vividly expressive score in what is often regarded as his most tender and moving opera. Don’t miss this brand new, fully staged production at the June 2015 Festival.

Monteverdi's Orfeo

Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 8pm
NEC’s Jordan Hall, Boston
Sunday, June 21, 2015 at 3pm
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center,
Great Barrington

Widely regarded as the first great opera, Monteverdi’s Orfeo features one of opera’s most adored stories, in which the heroic Orfeo suffers the tragic death of his beloved Euridice, and travels to the underworld to plead for her return. Breathtaking in its beauty and variety, this masterpiece defined an art form still in its infancy, with rich instrumental colors, dramatic word painting, and a virtuosic opulence of tone and texture. Experience this magical musical entertainment, an exquisite encore presentation of the November 2012 BEMF Chamber Opera Series production.