Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) was an Italian composer, choirmaster and string player who stood at the crossroads of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. He is widely regarded as the key figure in the early development of opera - his L'Orfeo (1607) is the oldest opera still regularly performed today - and composed nine books of madrigals alongside monumental sacred works such as the Vespro della Beata Vergine (1610). From 1613 until his death he served as music director of St Mark's Basilica in Venice, a post he held for thirty years despite offers from the courts of Vienna and Warsaw.
The 43rd Monteverdi Festival in Cremona (7-21 June 2026) staged a new production of L'incoronazione di Poppea by Les Arts Florissants conducted by Paul Agnew, alongside a gala opening concert by Cecilia Bartoli.
The Monteverdi Choir & Orchestras announced their 2026-27 international season, which includes a 'Venetian Christmas' programme featuring music by Monteverdi, Gabrieli and Schütz.
The Monteverdi Festival 2026 programme was presented in Rome at the Ministry of Culture, confirming over 30 events across Cremona's theatres, churches and historic palaces.
HGO staged a new small-scale production of L'incoronazione di Poppea at Jackson's Lane Theatre in London, reviewed in November 2025.
Cappella Mediterranea toured a production of L'incoronazione di Poppea in May and July 2025 with a cast including Iestyn Davies and Sophie Junker.
Baroque opera by Monteverdi about love and power in ancient Rome.
Performance of Monteverdi's celebrated Marienvesper, a baroque masterpiece, in the intimate setting of a church.
Monteverdi's evening prayer composition performed by a classical ensemble.
