Contact: Debbie Carton 510-981-6139
Berkeley Public Library presents a free noontime lecture/concert featuring West Edge Opera on Thursday, January 24, at 12:15 pm. General Director Mark Streshinsky introduces the company’s upcoming production, L’Incoronazione di Poppea. From the harpsichord, conductor Gilbert Martinez, Artistic Director of MusicSources, will accompany cast members in selected arias. Monteverdi’s opera has been praised for its originality, melody and the human attributes of its characters. Poppea was first performed in Venice during the 1642-1643 carnival season and established the composer as the leading musical dramatist of his time. The opera recounts how Poppea, mistress of the Roman emperor Nero, achieves her ambition to be crowned empress. The program takes place at the Central Berkeley Public Library, 5th Floor, 2090 Kittredge Street, which is wheelchair accessible. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library (www.berkeleylibraryfriends.org). For more information, call 510-981-6139 or visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org. West Edge Opera’s production of L’Incoronazione di Poppea opens February 1st at the Performing Arts Theater at El Cerrito High School. Read more about the show at www.westedgeopera.org. Poppea Flyer
# # # # #