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.

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.

Preview video 3:45

Join us for a special look inside the rehearsal studio with the GRAMMY-winning Boston Early Music Festival as they prepare for the fully-staged North American premiere of Reinhard Keiser’s Octavia at the June 2025 Festival—June 8 to 15, 2025 in Boston, MA.

Behind the Scenes 2:15

The Boston Early Music Festival is hard at work creating the fully-staged North American premiere production of Reinhard Keiser’s 1706 opera, Octavia. Take a sneak peek inside the rehearsal studio and hear from Costume Designer Anna Kjellsdotter, Dance Director Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière, and soprano Hannah De Priest.

Meet the Cast 3:30

Meet the cast of the North American premiere of this lavish masterwork at the 2025 Boston Early Music Festival. Hear from Emőke Baráth (Octavia), Douglas Ray Williams (Nero), Amanda Forsythe (Ormœna), Aaron Sheehan (Piso), Hannah De Priest (Livia), Christian Immler (Seneca), and Jason McStoots (Lepidus)!

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