Renowned American harpsichordist Bradley Brookshire makes a rare onstage cameo in Agrippina—next on stage tonight! Don’t miss Handel’s early operatic masterpiece, which features an exceptional cast conducted by Baroque expert Harry Bicket. On stage through March 7: bit.ly/2Sifsdu Live in HD February 29: bit.ly/2G4qAn5 | The Metropolitan Opera

Soprano Brenda Rae stars as the seductress Poppea in Handel’s Agrippina, on stage through March 7. Sir David McVicar’s new production brings the past into the present, where even a future empress can’t catch a cab. On stage through March 7: bit.ly/2Sifsdu Live in HD February 29: bit.ly/2G4qAn5 | The Metropolitan Opera

Last Saturday’s performance and Live in HD transmission of Handel’s Agrippina were dedicated to the memory of Mirella Freni. The extraordinary soprano was one of the greatest singers of the post-WWII era and sang 13 roles at the Met between 1965 and 1997. | The Metropolitan Opera

Agrippina the Younger was born into the most dangerous family in Rome. The Julio-Claudian dynasty produced emperors, generals, and conspiracies in equal measure. She was the daughter of Germanicus, the sister of Caligula, the niece and later wife of Claudius, and the mother of Nero. Few Romans stood closer to absolute power. Her early life was marked by instability. Her mother was exiled. Her brothers were executed. Under Caligula, she was first honored, then accused of conspiracy and banished.