The second work in this season’s Palau Òpera concert series, L'incoronazione di Poppea by Claudio Monteverdi, is one of the composer’s most mature works. The opera features a libretto by Giovanni Francesco Busenello, and the story is based on a combination of the Annals by Tacitus, the historical writings of Suetonius and Cassius Dio, and an anonymous work titled Octavia, sometimes attributed to Seneca. Contrary to established traditional literary mores, in Monteverdi's opera it is the adulterous relationship between Poppea and Nerone that ends up triumphing, even if it is a transitory and superficial victory. The work has been praised for its original melodies and the human portrayal of the characters.

The Palau will play host to a concert performance of the opera by The English Concert, one of the most prestigious orchestras in Europe for historical performances. The ensemble will be conducted by Harry Bicket, an internationally renowned conductor for his interpretation of baroque and classical repertoire. The English Concert will be joined on stage by the Palau de la Música Catalana’s chamber choir, the Cor de Cambra (conducted by Xavier Puig) and Jeanine De Bique, one of the leading sopranos of the moment, who has been praised for her bright and highly expressive voice, and heads a phenomenal ensemble of musicians.