In November 1971, Dame Janet Baker a great champion of opera sung in English performed the title role in Monteverdi"s The Coronation of Poppea with Sadler"s Wells Opera at the London Coliseum, conducted by baroque and classical specialist Raymond Leppard. This was the first time the company had performed the work, and happily, the production was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. Chandos Opera in English is delighted that by this latest addition to our Archive Selection, we have been able to provide listeners the experience of hearing Dame Janet"s artistry, at the height of her career, and currently the only recording of the work in English. Dame Janet Baker is joined by bass Clifford Grant, tenor Robert Ferguson, the late contralto Ann Collins, Katherine Pring and John Brecknock accompanied by the Sadler Wells Chorus and Orchestra.