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Vitellia’s rooms Vitellia is the daughter of the deposed emperor, Vitellius. She is furious that the current emperor, Tito, has not asked to marry her, but instead is planning to wed a foreign woman, Berenice. Vitellia plots to have the Capitol burned and Tito murdered. She asks Sesto, who is infatuated with her, to lead her conspirators. Sesto believes the emperor to be a good man, but his love for Vitellia is overpowering and so he agrees.
Annio informs Sesto and Vitellia that Tito has sent Berenice away. Vitellia tells Sesto to postpone carrying out her plan. She leaves and Annio reminds Sesto of his promise to ask the emperor to give him the hand of Servilia, Sesto’s sister.
The Roman Forum A crowd of citizens and dignitaries gathers to celebrate the offering of gifts from distant Roman provinces to Tito. Alone with Sesto and Annio, Tito reveals that for political reasons he could not marry Berenice, as much as he loves her. He must marry a Roman and has chosen Servilia. Annio is heartbroken but hides his feelings.
Annio tells Servilia of Tito’s decision and they reaffirm their love for each other.
The Emperor’s Palace Servilia approaches Tito, agreeing to marry him, but tells him of her feelings for Annio. Touched by Annio’s sacrifice and Servilia’s honesty, Tito tells her he will step aside to ensure their happiness.
Vitellia urges Sesto to action, promising herself to him if he carries out her plan. Sesto is inflamed by her words and rushes away. Publio and Annio enter, informing Vitellia that Tito has now chosen her for his wife. Vitellia is desperate to stop Sesto before she’s too late.
In front of the Capitol Sesto battles with his conscience but finally goes to carry out Vitellia’s plan. With the Capitol burning, the crowd enters and Sesto appears, telling them that Tito is dead, without revealing his or Vitellia’s part in the plot.
The Emperor’s Garden Annio informs Sesto that Tito is unharmed. Relieved, Sesto confesses his guilt to Annio, who is stunned and urges Sesto to confess to Tito. Alone with Sesto, Vitellia begs him to go into exile. Publio enters and arrests Sesto, telling him that it was not Tito he harmed, but another conspirator who has betrayed Sesto. Vitellia is stricken with remorse.
The Great Hall Tito is stunned to learn that Sesto has admitted to the assassination attempt and that the Senate has condemned him to death. He calls for Sesto who declares his guilt and pleads for death.
Servilia and Annio tell Vitellia that her wedding preparations to Tito are still going ahead. She realizes that Sesto has not betrayed her and decides to confess all to Tito.
A square before the arena In front of a large crowd, Sesto is brought before Tito. Vitellia rushes in and takes sole responsibility for the plot. Tito forgives everyone, who in turn rejoice and praise their emperor.
Renata Pokupic as Sesto in the Chicago Opera Theater production of La clemenza di Tito. Photo: Richard Hein © 2009