Welcome to the June 2025 Boston Early Music Festival, North America's premier celebration of Early Music.

PRE-OPERA TALKS:
PRE-OPERA TALKS will precede all four performances of Keiser's Octavia, offering audience members fascinating insights into Reinhard Keiser's life and work. Each will take place at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre at the following times:

PRE-OPERA TALKS, 2:00pm
The Power of Love and the Love of Power; presented by Paul O'Dette and Stephen Stubbs, Musical Directors; Gilbert Blin, Stage Director; Robert Mealy, Orchestra Director; and Hubert Hazebroucq, Choreographer.

OPENING FANFARE Keiser's Octavia, 3:10pm:

Members of the BEMF Orchestra
Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre

CENTERPIECE OPERA, Keiser's Octavia , 3:30pm
The virtuous Empress Octavia is betrayed by her increasingly erratic husband, Nero, putting all of Rome on the brink of rebellion.
Written for the famed Hamburg Opera in 1705, Keiser’s monumental work brings lavish spectacle and brilliant orchestration to a nuanced tale of the corruption of power and the resilience of love. A fantastical parade of philosophers, clowns, ghosts, and despots comes alive on the stage as the noble Octavia struggles to survive the turmoil and cruelty around her.

Tiridates, the King of Armenia, has come to Rome to pledge his allegiance to the Empire. Emperor Nero officially restores the king to his throne while growing infatuated with Tiridates’ wife, Ormœna, much to the dismay of Empress Octavia. Tensions rise as the Roman citizens grow restless over Nero’s lavish attempts to court the Armenian Queen and rid himself of his own bride. As Rome breaks out in open rebellion, Octavia must find a way to persevere amidst the chaos.

GRAMMY-winning Musical Directors Paul O’Dette & Stephen Stubbs and acclaimed Stage Director Gilbert Blin lead an all-new production replete with opulent stagecraft and impeccable musicianship. Breathtaking sets, sumptuous, period-inspired costumes, exquisite Baroque dance, and beautifully evocative music combine in an operatic feast sure to delight.

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