Baylor Opera Theater Presents the Italian Opera L'incoronazione di Poppea

January 29, 2020
Media Contact: Terry Goodrich, Baylor University Media and Public Relations, 254-710-3321
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WACO, Texas (Jan. 29, 2020) – Members of Baylor Opera Theater will present four performances of Claudio Monteverdi's L'incoronazione di Poppea at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, and Friday, Jan. 31; and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, and Sunday, Feb. 2, in the Jesse H. Jones Theater of the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center, 60 Baylor Ave.

L'incoronazione di Poppea was Monteverdi's last Italian opera and featured a libretto by Giovanni Francesco Busenello. It was first performed at the Teatro Santi Giovanni e Paolo in Venice during the 1643 carnival season. One of the first operas to use historical events and people, it depicts how Poppea, mistress of the Roman emperor Nero, is able to achieve her ambition to be crowned empress.

This student troupe is led by stage director Susan Li, director of opera, and music director Jeffrey Peterson, Ph.D., assistant professor of voice, both in Baylor’s School of Music.

“From a scholastic viewpoint, Poppea is a piece that students will have heard and read about because it is studied and referred to frequently,” Li said. “From a performance perspective, because it has 22 named roles with most being double cast, this opera gives many of our students stage experience in singing roles. It’s a massive effort.”

Singing the principal roles will be master’s candidate Emily Wood, senior Carly Orr, master’s candidate Jenny Skarke, senior Hannah Hyden, master’s candidate Michael Skarke, master’s candidate David Estrata, senior Amy Pressman, junior Halle Hill, master’s candidate Autumn Scott and master’s candidate Charity Cooper.

Poppea is an interesting piece to produce because it is a story on the human propensity for obtaining power throughout history, Peterson said.

“The coronation of Poppea is, in the words of my friend, Dr. Philip Kraus, ‘the most modern of operas,’ despite it being written in 1643,” Peterson said. “It deals with age-old issues of jealousy, power and lust in the garb of 17-century music. It is one of the few operas where the bad guys win in the end.”

Reserved tickets are available online and at the Theatre Department Box Office in Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $5 for all college students with a student ID, Baylor faculty and staff, senior citizens and military. All seats are general admission. For more information, call 254-710-3991.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC

The Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Our students thrive in a Christian environment characterized by a nurturing resident faculty, an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence, a global perspective, dedication to service, and devotion to faith. They investigate the rich musical and cultural heritage of the past, develop superior musical skills and knowledge in the present, and explore and create new modes of musical expression for the future. While preparing for future leadership roles, the students join with School of Music faculty in enhancing the quality of community life, enriching the larger culture, and making Baylor a place in which heart, mind and soul coalesce. The School of Music of Baylor University is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Degree programs leading to the bachelor of music education degree conform to certification requirements of the Texas Education Agency. Visit www.baylor.edu/music to learn more.