Opera On 3 - Live From The Met
First broadcast from 20070310 to 20100206.
57 episodes
| Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20070310 | The conclusion of Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg, live from the New York Met. The only comedy amongs Wagner's mature operas, the story takes place in the German town of Nuremberg in the 16th century. The plot revolves around the singing competition of the real-life guild of Master Singers, an association of amateur poets and musicians. Eva, the daughter of one of the Master Singers, will be betrothed to the winner of the competition. Can the young knight Walther win her hand despite breaking the Master Singers' rules about what music should sound like? Possibly, with the help of cobbler-poet Hans Sachs, who foils the attempts of the other contender, the arch-pedant Beckmesser. Tenor Johan Botha sings the role of Walther von Stolzing, bass-baritone James Morris is Hans Sachs with Eva, Pogner's daughter....Hei-Kyung Hong (soprano) Magdalena, Eva's nurse....Maria Zifchak (soprano) Walther, a young knight from Franconia....Johan Botha (tenor) David, Sachs's apprentice....Matthew Polenzani (tenor) Hans Sachs, cobbler, Meistersinger....James Morris (bass-baritone) Beckmesser, town clerk, Meistersinger....Hans-Joachim Ketelsen (baritone) Pogner, goldsmith, Meistersinger....Yevgeny Nikitin (bass-baritone) James Levine conducts the Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra. Act 3 Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg continues, live from the New York Met. Act 2 Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg, live from the New York Met. Act 1 | ||
| 20070317 | Conclusion of Gounod's Faust, live from the New York Metropolitan Opera. Doctor Faust, a philosopher....Ramón Vargas (tenor) Méphistophélès....Ildar Abdrasakov (bass) Marguerite....Ruth Ann Swenson (soprano) Valentin, a soldier, Marguerite's brother....Hung Yung (baritone) Wagner, friend of Valentin....Keith Miller (baritone) Siébel, student of Faust Karine Deshayes (soprano) Marthe, Marguerite's guardian....Jane Bunnell (mezzo-soprano) Orchestra and Chorus of Metropolitan Opera Maurizio Benini (conductor) Act 3. Gounod's Faust continues, live from the New York Metropolitan Opera. Act 2. Gounod's Faust, live from the New York Metropolitan Opera. The aged philosopher Faust makes a pact with the devil Mephisopheles, agreeing to serve him in hell if he will first restore him to youth on Earth. The rejuvenated Faust seduces the lovely and innocent Marguerite and then kills her brother Valentin in a duel, causing her to kill her baby and go mad. She prays for divine redemption and escapes him in death. Gounod's opera, although based on Goethe's epic verse play, focuses less on philosophy and more on the longing for youth and love and the desire for salvation. Its lush, romantic score contains some memorable show pieces for the soloists. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Prologue and Act 1. | ||
| The Barber Of Seville | 20070324 | Rossini's The Barber of Seville, live from the New York Metropolitan Opera. The score is full of wit and charm with an abundance of musical ideas and comical scenes as Figaro helps Count Almaviva win the hand of the lovely Rosina. But first the Count and his trusty barber must stop her guardian, Doctor Bartolo, from marrying her himself. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Rosina....Joyce Didonato (mezzo-soprano) Count Almaviva....Juan Diego Florez (tenor) Figaro....Peter Mattei (baritone) Dr Bartolo....John Del Carlo (bass) Don Basilio....John Relyea (bass) Orchestra and Chorus of Metropolitan Opera Maurizio Benini (conductor). | |
| 20070331 | Continuesat8.05pmafterTwentyMinutes | Richard Strauss' Die Agyptische Helena continues, live from the New York Met. Helena of Troy....Deborah Voigt (soprano) Menelaus, her husband....Tauston Kerl (tenor) Hermione, their daughter....Deena Sydney Fink (soprano) Aithra, a sorceress....Diana Damrau (soprano) Altair, a nomad chieftain....Wolfgang Brendel (baritone) Da-ud, his son....Garrett Sorenson (tenor) The Omniscient Mussel....Jill Grove (mezzo-soprano) Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus Fabio Luisi (conductor) Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Act 2. Richard Strauss: Die Agyptische Helena Strauss was fascinated by the state of matrimony and in this, his third opera on the subject, he explores the mysteries of marriage through the perspective of classical mythology, the legend of Helen of Troy. How will Helen regain her husband: by the false fronts of seduction or through cold, bright honesty? Strauss's soaring lyricism and orchestral richness humanise and universalise the story. Act 1 | |
| 20070407 | Continuesat7.25pmafterTheGildedStage, Continuesat8.30pmafterMetOperaQuiz | Giordano's Andrea Chénier concludes, live from the New York Met. Andrea Chénier, a poet....Ben Heppner (tenor) Carlo Gérard a servant, later a revolutionary....Mark Delavan (baritone) Maddalena de Coigny....Violeta Urmana (soprano) Bersi, her maid....Maria Zifchak (mezzo-soprano) Madelon, an old woman....Irina Mishura (mezzo-soprano) La Contessa de Coigny....Michaela Martens (mezzo-soprano) Roucher, a friend of Chénier....Charles Taylor (baritone) Pietro Fléville, a novelist....Patrick Carfizzi (bass-baritone) Fouquier Tinville, the Public Prosecutor....Peter Volpe (bass) Mathieu, a revolutionary....John del Carlo (bass-baritone) L'Incroyable....David Cangelosi (tenor) The Abbé, a poet....Bernard Fitch (tenor) Schmidt, a gaoler at St Lazare....LeRoy Lehr (bass) Master of the Household....Brian Davis (bass) Dumas....James Courtney (baritone) Orchestra and Chorus of the New York Metropolitan Opera Marco Amiliato (conductor) Acts 3 and 4. Giordano's Andrea Chénier continues, live from the New York Met. Act 2 Giordano's Andrea Chénier An exuberant and tragic opera about genuine flesh-and-blood people swept up in the drama of the French Revolution, the story is loosely based on the life of the French poet, Chénier and his ultimately fatal love for an aristocrat. Combining flowing melody with striking declamation and demanding a great deal of its lead singers, the opera has remained a strong showcase for star performers. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Act 1 | |
| Turandot | 20070414 | Continuesat7.25pm,afterBeyondtheGildedStage, Continuesat8.50pm,afterTheMetOperaQuiz | Puccini's Turandot Unfinished at the time of Puccini's death, Turandot is a lavish tale of riddles, beheading and love in the Chinese Imperial court. Based on a fairytale by Carlo Gozzi, the story of the icy Princess Turandot and her ruthless search for a suitor is intertwined with the tragic devotion of slave-girl Liu to the man who seeks Turandot's hand. Full of memorable arias, Puccini's final opera is a magnificent, eclectic work with its rich scoring, including saxophones, xylophones and gongs, and, at times, boldly modern tonality. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Princess Turandot....Andrea Gruber (soprano) Timur, the dispossessed King of Tartary....Oren Gradus (bass) Calaf, his son....Richard Margison (tenor) Liù, a young slave-girl....Hei-Kyung Hong (soprano) The Emperor Altoum....Charles Anthony (tenor) Ping, Grand Chancellor....Earle Patriarco (baritone) Pang, General Purveyor....Tony Stevenson (tenor) Pong, Chief Cook....Eduardo Valdes (tenor) A Mandarin....James Courtney (bass) Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra Richard Armstrong (conductor) Act 1 Puccini's Turandot continues, live from the New York Met. Act 2 The concluding act of Puccini's Turandot, live from the New York Met. Act 3. |
| 20070421 | Concludesat9.45pmafterMetOperaQuiz, Continuesat8.20pmafterTwentyMinutes | Handel's Giulio Cesare concludes, live from the New York Met. Giulio Cesare....David Daniels (counter tenor) Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt....Ruth Ann Swenson (soprano) Tolomeo, King of Egypt....Lawrence Zazzo (counter tenor) Curio, tribune....Trevor Scheunemann (baritone) Cornelia, widow of Pompey....Patricia Bardon (mezzo-soprano) Sesto, son of Pompey....Alice Coote (mezzo-soprano) Achilla, general, Tolomeo's advisor....Wayne Tigges (bass-baritone) Nireno, confidant of Tolomeo and Cleopatra....Michael Maniaci (male soprano) Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus Harry Bicket (conductor) Act 3. Handel's Giulio Cesare continues, live from the New York Met. Act 2 Handel's Giulio Cesare Live from the New York Met Egypt, 48 BC. Two of the world's most powerful figures, Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, fall in love. Handel was inspired to write one of his most dramatically compelling operas, with a sumptuous score and ravishing arias, whose breathtaking variety and melodic richness enthral today's audiences as much as they did at its premiere, nearly 300 years ago. As then, an unusually splendid cast has been assembled for your delight. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Act I | |
| Il Trittico | 20070428 | Continuesat7.45pm,afterTwentyMinutes, Continuesat9.25pm,afterMetOperaQuiz | Puccini's operatic triptych concludes with Gianni Schicchi. Gianni Schicchi....Alessandro Corbelli (baritone) Lauretta....Olga Mykytenko (soprano) Rinuccio....Massimo Giordano (tenor) Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra James Levine (conductor). Puccini's Il Trittico Puccini's operatic triptych continues, live from the New York Met, with Suor Angelica. Suor Angelica....Barbara Frittoli (soprano) La zia Principessa....Stephanie Blythe (mezzo-soprano) Suor Genovieffa....Heidi Grant Murphy (soprano) The triptych of one-act operas written by Puccini to be performed together in one evening consists of Il Tabarro, a sinister tale of murder and passion; the tragic Suor Angelica, set in a convent; and the comic Gianni Schicchi, whose scheming protagonist manages to trick a whole family out of their inheritance. Il Trittico showcases Puccini's knack for lean storytelling, his ability to create atmospheric musical universes and the flexibility to conjure up shock, tears and uproarious laughter. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Puccini: Il Tabarro Michele....Juan Pons (baritone) Giorgetta....Maria Guleghina (soprano) Luigi....Salvatore Licitra (tenor) |
| 20070505 | Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice concludes this season's Live from the Met broadcasts. David Daniels heads the small cast of Gluck's opera which retells the famous myth of Orpheus, who descends into the underworld to rescue his wife Euridice by taming the furies through the power of his music. Written in a simpler, leaner style than the prevailing fashion, Gluck's score goes right to the heart of the story, portraying the heartbreak of lost love and conjuring up the devilish atmosphere of Hades. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Euridice....Maija Kovalevska (soprano) Orfeo....David Daniels (countertenor) Amor....Heidi Grant Murphy (soprano) Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus James Levine (conductor). | ||
| 20071208 | Gluck's IphigÃnie en Tauride Presented live from the New York Met by Margaret Juntwait. The new season of broadcasts from New York's Metropolitan Opera House opens with one of the supreme dramatic works of the 18th century. Gluck's IphigÃnie was the crowning achievement of his career, and ever since its premiere, it has gripped audiences with its insights into practical and psychological family problems in the aftermath of the Trojan War. American mezzo-soprano Susan Graham sings the title role, while tenor PlÃcido Domingo plays her long-lost brother Oreste for the first time and French conductor Louis LangrÃe makes his Met debut. IphigÃnie, High Priestess of Diana....Susan Graham (mezzo-soprano) Oreste, IphigÃnie's brother....PlÃcido Domingo (tenor) Pylade, Oreste's friend....Paul Groves (tenor) Thoas, King of Tauris....William Shimell (bass) Diane....Michele Losier (soprano) First Priestess/A Greek Woman....Lisette Oropesa (soprano) Second Priestess....Sasha Cooke (soprano) A Scythian/A Minister....David Won (baritone) Orchestra and Chorus of the New York Metropolitan Opera Louis LangrÃe (conductor). | ||
| 20071215 | Gounod: RomÃo et Juliette Margaret Juntwait and English tenor Philip Langridge introduce the New York Met's production of Gounod's emotional rollercoaster of an opera. Operatic superstars Anna Netrebko and Roberto Alagna are the star-crossed lovers in this romantic setting of Shakespeare's tragedy conducted by PlÃcido Domingo. Including a feature about setting Shakespeare and backstage interviews with members of the cast. Juliette, daughter of Capulet....Anna Netrebko (soprano) RomÃo, son of Montague....Roberto Alagna (tenor) Tybalt, Juliette's cousin....Marc Heller (tenor) Mercutio, RomÃo's best friend....Nathan Gunn (baritone) StÃphano, RomÃo's page....Isabel Leonard (mezzo-soprano) Gertrude, Juliette's nurse....Jane Bunnell (mezzo-soprano) Count PÃris, friend of Tybalt....Louis Otey (baritone) Benvolio, friend of RomÃo....Tony Stevenson (baritone) GrÃgorio, Capulet's servant....David Won (baritone) FrÃre Laurent, a friar....Robert Lloyd (bass) Count Capulet, head of the Capulet family....Charles Taylor (bass) Duke of Verona....Dean Peterson (bass) Orchestra and Chorus of New York Metropolitan Opera PlÃcido Domingo (conductor). | ||
| 20071222 | Prokofiev's War and Peace Prokofiev's adaptation of Tolstoy's monumental novel captures its sweeping world view as well as its insights into individuals. The 13 scenes depict a 'peace' story about the loves of the young Natasha set against the 'war' of the ill-fated Napoleonic invasion of Russia of 1812. Musically there are wonderful choruses, waltzes, and a mixture of intimate duets and massive battle scenes. The dynamic Valery Gergiev conducts a predominantly Russian cast. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait, including behind-the scenes features and the popular Met Quiz, hosted by soprano Martina Arroyo. Natasha Rostova....Marina Poplovskaya (soprano) Sonya....Ekaterina Semenchuk (mezzo-soprano) Mme Akhrosimova....Larisa Shevchenko (soprano) Pierre Bezukhov....Kim Begley (tenor) Prince Andrey Bolkonsky....Alexej Markov (baritone) Napoleon....Vassily Gerello (baritone) Field-Marshal Kutuzov....Samuel Ramey (bass) Orchestra and Chorus of the New York Metropolitan Opera Valery Gergiev (conductor). | ||
| 20071229 | Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel A new production in English of Engelbert Humperdinck's version of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, live from the New York Metropolitan Opera. As with many fairy tales, the story is light on the surface, but with some dark undertones, and Humperdinck illustrates the story with some of his most sumptuous music. The roles of the siblings, lost in the menacing world of the forest, are sung by Christine Schafer and Alice Coote, with Philip Langridge as the witch who tries to destroy them. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Gretel....Christine SchÃfer (soprano) Hansel....Alice Coote (mezzo-soprano) Gertrude....Rosalind Plowright (mezzo-soprano) The Witch....Philip Langridge (tenor) Peter....Alan Held (bass-baritone) Dew Fairy....Lisette Oropesa (soprano) Sandman....Sasha Cooke (mezzo-soprano) Chorus and Orchestra of New York Metropolitan Opera Vladimir Jurowski (conductor). | ||
| Verdi's Un Ballo In Maschera | 20080105 | A cautionary tale about the perils of mixing love and politics, Verdi's opera is a masterpiece of musical variety. The story, based on the assassination of the Swedish King Gustavus III, unfolds with gripping dramatic intensity, and Piero Faggioni's production features a stellar international cast. Including the Met Opera Quiz, hosted by mezzo-soprano Alice Coote, and backstage interviews with some of the artists. Presented from the Metropolitan Opera House, New York by Margaret Juntwait. Amelia....MichÃle Crider (soprano) Oscar....Ofelia Sala (soprano) Ulrica....Stephanie Blythe (mezzo-soprano) Riccardo....Salvatore Licitra (tenor) Renato....Dmitri Hvorostovsky (baritone) Silvano....Jeff Mattsey (baritone) Sam....Hao Jiang Tian (bass) Tom....Andrew Gangestad (bass) Judge....Mark Schowalter (tenor) Servant....Charles Anthony (tenor) Chorus and Orchestra of New York Metropolitan Opera Gianandrea Noseda (conductor). | |
| 20080112 | Verdi's Macbeth 'This tragedy is one of the greatest creations of man!' the young Verdi said to his librettist when he first read Shakespeare's story of a general, persuaded by his ambitious wife to stop at nothing, even murder, to become King. It was the beginning of a life-long fascination with Shakespeare. In this live matinee broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the role of the manipulative Lady Macbeth is sung by Maria Guleghina, with Lado Ataneli as her weak-willed husband. The programme also includes backstage interviews with some of the artists. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Lady Macbeth....Maria Guleghina (soprano) Macbeth....Lado Ataneli (baritone) Macduff....Roberto Aronica (tenor) Banquo....John Relyea (bass) Malcolm....Russell Thomas (tenor) Lady-in-Waiting....Elizabeth Blancke-Biggs (soprano) Murderer....Keith Miller (bass) Doctor....James Courtney (bass) Bloody Child....Ashley Emerson (soprano) Crowned Child....Anne-Carolyn Bird (soprano) Servant....Richard Hobson (baritone) Herald....Joseph Turi (bass) Warrior....David Crawford (bass) Orchestra and Chorus of New York Metropolitan Opera James Levine (conductor). | ||
| Rossini's Il Barbiere Di Siviglia | 20080126 | Considered the most popular comic opera of all time, Rossini's opera features the composer at his most exhilarating. Figaro helps Count Almaviva win the hand of the lovely Rosina. But first the Count and his trusty barber must stop her guardian, Doctor Bartolo, from marrying her himself. Rosina....Elina Garanca (mezzo-soprano) Count Almaviva....Jose Manuel Zapata (tenor) Figaro....Franco Vassallo (baritone) Dr Bartolo....Bruno Pratico (bass-baritone) Don Basilio....Peter Rose (bass) Berta....Jennifer Check (soprano) Sergeant....Mark Schowalter (tenor) Fiorello....John Moore (baritone) Ambrogio....Rob Besserer (bass) Chorus and Orchestra of New York Metropolitan Opera Frederic Chaslin (conductor). | |
| 20080202 | Wagner's Die Walkure Lisa Gasteen, Deborah Voigt and Clifton Forbis head the cast in a live performance from New York Metropolitan Opera of part two of Wagner's epic Ring Cycle. Siegmund and Sieglinde are brother and sister - but by the time they discover this, they have already fallen in love. Their father Wotan, the arrogant leader of the Gods, is forced to disown them by his wife Fricka, but Wotan's daughter Brunnhilde defies him and helps the lovers. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Brunnhilde....Lisa Gasteen (soprano) Sieglinde....Deborah Voigt (soprano) Fricka....Michelle DeYoung (mezzo-soprano) Siegmund....Clifton Forbis (tenor) Wotan....James Morris (bass) Hunding, Sieglinde's husband....Mikhail Petrenko (bass) Helmwige....Claudia Waite (soprano) Gerhilde....Kellie Cae Hogan (soprano) Ortlinde....Wendy Bryn Harmer (soprano) Siegrune....Leann Sandel-Pantaleo (mezzo-soprano) Waltraute....Laura Wlasak Nolen (mezzo-soprano) Grimgerde....Edyta Kulczak (mezzo-soprano) Rossweisse....Mary Phillips (mezzo-soprano) Schwertleite....Jane Bunnell (mezzo-soprano) Chorus and Orchestra of the New York Metropolitan Opera Lorin Maazel (conductor). | ||
| 20080216 | Puccini's Manon Lescaut The young Puccini's first great success, Manon Lescaut is a drama of a free-spirited beauty whose equal need for love and luxury causes her downfall. Finnish soprano Karita Mattila sings the title role for the first time at the Met in a score full of youthful and erotic passion. Marcello Giordani plays Manon's young lover des Grieux and the Met's Music Director James Levine conducts. The programme also includes backstage interviews with some of the artists. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Manon Lescaut....Karita Mattila (soprano) des Grieux....Marcello Giordani (tenor) Lescaut....Dwayne Croft (baritone) Geronte de Ravoir....Dale Travis (baritone) Musician....Tamara Mumford (mezzo-soprano) Edmondo....Sean Panikkar (tenor) Dancing Master....Bernard Fitch (tenor) Lamplighter....Tony Stevenson (tenor) Innkeeper....Paul Plishka (bass) Sergeant....James Courtney (bass) Captain....Richard Bernstein (bass) Orchestra and Chorus of New York Metropolitan Opera James Levine (conductor). | ||
| 20080223 | Bizet's Carmen Mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina takes the title role and Marcelo Alvarez makes his Met debut as Don Jose, the proud soldier destroyed by his fascination with the femme fatale Carmen, in this live production from New York. Carmen was among the first operas in the 1870s to go against the trend of glorifying heroes and heroines and Bizet's independent-minded gypsy seductress caused much controversy amongst critics of the time. The programme, which also includes backstage interviews with the artists during the intervals, is presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait, with Ira Siff as guest commentator. Carmen....Olga Borodina (mezzo-soprano) Don Jose....Marcelo Alvarez (tenor) Escamillo....Lucio Gallo (baritone) Micaela....Krassimira Stoyanova (soprano) Frasquita....Rachelle Durkin (soprano) Mercedes....Edyta Kulczak (mezzo-soprano) Remendado....Juan-Paul Fouchecourt (tenor) Dancairo....John Hancock (baritone) Zuniga....Jeffrey Wells (bass) Chorus and Orchestra of New York Metropolitan Opera Emmanuel Villaume (conductor). | ||
| 20080301 | Verdi's Otello Giuseppe Verdi's adaptation of Shakespeare's play is widely regarded as the composer's crowning operatic achievement. South African tenor Johan Botha interprets the role of the tragic hero Otello, and Renee Fleming returns to one of her most celebrated roles as the doomed Desdemona. Semyon Bychkov conducts a production by Elijah Moshinsky. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Desdemona....Renee Fleming (soprano) Otello....Johan Botha (tenor) Iago....Carlo Guelfi (baritone) Emilia....Wendy White (mezzo-soprano) Cassio....Garrett Sorenson (tenor) Roderigo....Ronald Naldi (tenor) Montano....Charles Taylor (baritone) Lodovico....Kristinn Sigmundsson (bass) Herald....David Won (baritone) Chorus and Orchestra of New York Metropolitan Opera Semyon Bychkov (conductor). | ||
| Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor | 20080308 | Donizetti's famous tragic heroine is portrayed by one of her greatest recent interpreters, French soprano Natalie Dessay, in a new production directed by James Levine, and broadcast live from New York. Set in Scotland, Donizetti's opera centres on a tragic love triangle. Lucia and Edgardo secretly become engaged but Lucia is forced by her cruel brother to marry Arturo. She obeys, imagining that Edgardo is unfaithful. But after realising her mistake, Lucia turns mad with anguish. The programme, which also includes backstage interviews with the artists during the intervals, is presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait, with Ira Siff as guest commentator. Lucia....Natalie Dessay (soprano) Edgardo....Giuseppe Filianoti (tenor) Enrico....Mariusz Kwiecien (baritone) Raimondo....John Relyea (bass) Alisa....Michaela Martens (mezzo-soprano) Arturo....Stephen Costello (tenor) Normanno....Michael Myers (tenor) Chorus and Orchestra of New York Metropolitan Opera James Levine (conductor). | |
| 20080315 | Britten's Peter Grimes Live from New York, Donald Runnicles conducts a production of the psychological drama whose epic tenor role and orchestral score established Britten as one of the great opera composers of the 20th century. Peter Grimes, a fisherman living in a small-minded Suffolk village, is as much a misunderstood outsider as a victim of his own weaknesses as he finds himself under suspicion for death of his apprentice. The programme, which also includes backstage interviews with the artists during the intervals, is presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait, with Ira Siff as guest commentator. Peter Grimes....Anthony Dean Griffey (tenor) Ellen Orford....Patricia Racette (soprano) Balstrode....Anthony Michaels-Moore (baritone) Mrs Sedley....Felicity Palmer (mezzo-soprano) Auntie....Jill Grove (mezzo-soprano) 1st Niece....Leah Partridge (soprano) 2nd Niece....Erin Morley (soprano) Bob Boles....Greg Fedderly (tenor) Rev Horace Adams....Bernard Fitch (tenor) Ned Keene....Teddy Tahu Rhodes (baritone) Swallow....John del Carlo (bass-baritone) Hobson....Dean Peterson (bass-baritone) Chorus and Orchestra of New York Metropolitan Opera Donald Runnicles (conductor). | ||
| 20080322 | Wagner's Tristan und Isolde Direct from New York, James Levine conducts Deborah Voigt as Isolde, alongside Robert Dean Smith making his debut in the role of Tristan at the Met in Wagner's exploration of the agony and the ecstasy of erotic love. After unwittingly drinking a love potion, Tristan and Isolde fall deeply in love with each other, but their romance faces opposition from King Brangane and can only end in tragedy. The programme, which also includes backstage interviews with the artists during the intervals, is presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Isolde....Deborah Voigt (soprano) Tristan....Robert Dean Smith (tenor) Brangane....Michelle DeYoung (mezzo-soprano) Kurwenal....Eike Wilm Schulte (baritone) King Marke....Matti Salminen (bass) Sailor's Voice....Tony Stevenson (tenor) Shepherd....Mark Schowalter (tenor) Melot....Stephen Gaertner (baritone) Steersman....James Courtney (bass-baritone) Chorus and Orchestra of New York Metropolitan Opera James Levine (conductor). | ||
| 20080329 | Verdi's Ernani Live from New York, Roberto Abbado conducts a production of Verdi's fifth opera with a cast led by Sicilian tenor Marcello Giordani as Ernani and with an international trio of singers in other principal roles. Amid disguises, duels and conspiracies, the nobleman Silva, the King of Spain and Ernani the bandit all vie for the love of Elvira, due to be married to her uncle and guardian. The programme, which also includes backstage interviews with the artists during the intervals, is presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Elvira....Sondra Radvanovsky (soprano) Ernani....Marcello Giordani (tenor) Don Carlo....Thomas Hampson (baritone) De Silva....Ferruccio Furlanetto (bass) Giovanna....Wendy White (mezzo-soprano) Don Riccardo....Ryan Smith (tenor) Jago....Keith Miller (bass) Chorus and Orchestra of New York Metropolitan Opera Roberto Abbado (conductor). | ||
| 20080405 | Puccini's La boheme Direct from New York, Nicola Luisotti conducts Angela Georghiu and Ramon Vargas in the lead roles in Puccini's portrayal of the poverty and tragedy of bohemian life in Paris. Rodolfo and Mimi fall in love immediately after meeting in a freezing garret, but their happiness is blighted by jealousy, their harsh living conditions and then grave illness. The programme, which also includes backstage interviews with the artists during the intervals, is presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Mimi....Angela Gheorghiu (soprano) Rodolfo....Ramon Vargas (tenor) Marcello....Ludovic Tezier (baritone) Schaunard....Quinn Kelsey (baritone) Colline....Oren Gradus (bass) Musetta....Ainhoa Arteta (soprano) Benoit/Alcindoro....Paul Plishka (bass) Chorus and Orchestra of New York Metropolitan Opera Nicola Luisotti (conductor). | ||
| 20080412 | Prokofiev's The Gambler Live from New York, Valery Gergiev takes the baton for a rare performance of Prokofiev's first major stage work, with tenor Vladimir Galouzine as Alexi and soprano Olga Guryakova as Polina. Based on the novel by Dostoevsky, the opera focuses on a group of characters whose lives are dominated by their quest for money and also their inability to hold on to it. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Polina....Olga Guryakova (soprano) Mme Blanche....Olga Savova (mezzo-soprano) 'Grammy' Babulenka....Larissa Diadkova (mezzo-soprano) Alexei....Vladimir Galouzine (tenor) The Marquis....Nikolai Gassiev (tenor) Prince Nilsky....John Easterlin (tenor) Mr Astley....John Hancock (baritone) The General....Sergei Aleksashkin (bass) Baron Wurmerhelm....James Courtney (bass-baritone) Chorus and Orchestra of New York Metropolitan Opera Valery Gergiev (conductor). | ||
| 20080419 | Glass's Satyagraha Direct from New York, Dante Anzoli conducts Richard Croft and Rachel Durkin in the lead roles in a production of Philip Glass's 1980 opera, set to a text from the ancient Sanskrit scripture the Bhagavad Gita. Praised as a 'masterwork of theatrical intensity' the work is an account of Mahatma Gandhi's formative experiences in South Africa, which transformed him into a revered leader. The programme, which also includes backstage interviews with the artists during the intervals, is presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Miss Schlesen....Rachelle Durkin (soprano) MK Ghandi....Richard Croft (tenor) Mr Kallenbach....Earle Patriarco (baritone) Parsi Rustomji....Alfred Walker (bass-baritone) Mrs Naidoo....Ellie Dehn (soprano) Kasturbai....Maria Zifchak (mezzo-soprano) Mrs Alexander....Mary Phillips (mezzo-soprano) Prince Arjuna....Bradley Garvin (bass-baritone) Lord Krishna....Richard Bernstein (bass-baritone) Chorus and Orchestra of New York Metropolitan Opera Dante Anzolini (conductor). | ||
| Donizetti's La Fille Du Regiment | 20080426 | Live from New York, Marco Armiliato conducts soprano Natalie Dessay and tenor Juan Diego Florez in Donizetti's two-act opera comique. Marie, found abandoned as a baby on the battlefield is adopted and raised by soldiers, but when it is discovered that she is actually an aristocrat, she must bid farewell to the regiment - and her lover. Presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait, with soprano Renee Fleming hosting backstage interviews during the interval with the artists, including stars Natalie Dessay and Juan Diego Florez. Marie....Natalie Dessay (soprano) Marquise of Berkenfeld....Felicity Palmer (mezzo-soprano) Tonio....Juan Diego Florez (tenor) Sulpice....Alessandro Corbelli (baritone) Duchess of Krakenthorp....Zoe Caldwell (voice) Hortensius....Donald Maxwell (baritone) Corporal....Roger Andrews (baritone) Orchestra and Chorus of New York Metropolitan Opera Marco Armiliato (conductor). | |
| Mozart's Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail | 20080503 | Direct from New York, David Robertson conducts soprano Diana Damrau and tenor Matthew Polenzani in Mozart's exploration of the clash of cultures between East and West, set in 18th century Turkey. The plot concerns Spanish nobleman Belmonte's efforts to rescue his beloved Konstanze after she is captured by pirates and sold to the Pasha Selim for his harem in Turkey. The programme, which also includes backstage interviews with the artists during the intervals, is presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait. Konstanze....Diana Damrau (soprano) Blondchen....Aleksandra Kurzak (soprano) Belmonte....Matthew Polenzani (tenor) Pedrillo....Steve Davislim (tenor) Osmin....Kristinn Sigmundsson (bass) Pasha Selim....Matthias von Stegmann (actor) Chorus and Orchestra of New York Metropolitan Opera David Robertson (conductor). | |
| 20081129 | James Levine conducts Berlioz's adaptation of the classic Goethe story. Berlioz's La damnation de Faust Launching the 2008 season of Live from the Met broadcasts from New York, James Levine conducts tenor Marcello Giordani as Faust and mezzo-soprano Susan Graham as Marguerite in Berlioz's adaptation of Goethe's story of a man who sells his soul to the Devil. In a story that is more romantically focused than the Goethe version, the evil Mephistopheles introduces Faust to Marguerite and causes them to fall in love. Faust is tricked into selling his soul to save the woman he loves, ultimately sacrificing himself so that she might reach heaven. Presented by Margaret Juntwait, with guest commentator Ira Siff. Marguerite....Susan Graham (mezzo-soprano) Faust....Marcello Giordani (tenor) Mephistopheles....John Relyea (bass) Brander....Patrick Carfizzi (bass) Chorus and Orchestra of New York Metropolitan Opera James Levine (conductor). | ||
| Wagner's Tristan Und Isolde | 20081206 | Daniel Barenboim makes his Met debut conducting Wagner's influential and powerful opera. Daniel Barenboim makes his Met debut conducting Katarina Dalayman as Isolde, alongside Peter Seiffert as Tristan in Wagner's powerful and highly influential opera exploring of the agony and ecstasy of erotic love. After unwittingly drinking a love potion, Tristan and Isolde fall deeply in love with each other, but their romance faces opposition from King Brangane and can only end in tragedy. The programme, which also includes backstage interviews with the artists during the intervals, is presented from New York by Margaret Juntwait, with guest commentator Ira Siff. Tristan....Peter Seiffert (tenor) | |
| Tchaikovsky's The Queen Of Spades | 20081213 | Direct from the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, Seiji Ozawa conducts Tchaikovsky's opera, based on Pushkin's story about a man who loses his fortune and his mind to cards, with Maria Guleghina as Lisa and Ben Heppner as Ghermann. Ghermann is madly in love with Lisa, the wealthy granddaughter of the Countess, but he is too poor to have much hope of aspiring to her hand. He must learn the Countess's gambling secret in order to strike it rich and marry Lisa. She kills herself, though, when she realises that Gherman's obsession with gambling has driven him mad, and he commits suicide after losing his fortune. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. The two intervals include live backstage interviews with some of the artists. Lisa....Maria Guleghina (soprano) including the met opera quiz during the interval | |
| Massenet's Thais | 20081220 | From the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, with Renee Fleming in the title role. Soprano Renee Fleming brings one of her most celebrated roles to New York's Metropolitan Opera House for the first time in a performance of Massenet's exotic drama of love and redemption. Based on a tale initially written down by a 10th-century nun, the opera tells the story of the monk Athanael and his ultimately tragic desire for the Alexandrian courtesan Thais. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. The two intervals include backstage interviews. Thais, a courtesan....Renee Fleming (soprano) | |
| Puccini's La Boheme | 20090103 | Frederic Chaslin conducts Maija Kovalevska and Ramon Vargas as the tragic lovers. Direct from the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Frederic Chaslin conducts a revival of Franco Zeffirelli's celebrated production of Puccini's much-loved opera, with a cast headed by Latvian soprano Maija Kovalevska as Mimi and Ramon Vargas as Rodolfo. A story that has touched opera audiences ever since its creation in 1895, it tells of the love between penniless young artists in 19th-century Paris, blighted by jealousy, harsh living conditions and grave illness. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. The two intervals include live backstage interviews and the popular Metropolitan Opera Quiz. Rodolfo, a poet....Ramon Vargas (tenor) | |
| Puccini's La Rondine | 20090110 | Marco Armiliato conducts soprano Angela Gheorghiu and tenor Roberto Alagna. From the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, Marco Armiliato conducts the least-known of Puccini's later operas, which has a much lighter musical style than his better known works, as well as operetta-like touches and strong tunes. Real-life couple Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna play the lead romantic roles in a piece they have performed around the world and helped to put back onto the operatic map. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. The interval includes backstage interviews. Magda....Angela Gheorghiu (soprano) | |
| Gluck's Orfeo Ed Euridice | 20090124 | From the Metropolitan Opera New York, James Levine conducts mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe and soprano Danielle de Niese in the title roles of Gluck's version of the Greek myth of Orpheus. Presented by Margaret Juntwait, with guest commentator Ira Siff. Orfeo....Stephanie Blythe (mezzo-soprano) james levine conducts gluck's version of the greek myth of orpheus | |
| Verdi's Rigoletto | 20090131 | From the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, Riccardo Frizza conducts a young cast in Otto Schenk's production of Verdi's Rigoletto, a work that incorporates his most memorable melodies, and which shows his individuality as an operatic composer. The dark story focuses on the exploits of the womanising Duke of Mantua and his hump-backed court jester Rigoletto. When Rigoletto's daughter Gilda is abducted, he plots revenge, but a curse placed on him means that the result can only lead to tragedy. Duke of Mantua....Giuseppe Filianoti (tenor) riccardo frizza conducts verdi's tragic story of the womanising duke of mantua | |
| Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor | 20090207 | Direct from the Metropolitan Opera, New York, Marco Armiliato conducts one of the most loved bel canto operas of all time, broadly based on a historic drama by Walter Scott, and starring Russian soprano Anna Netrebko and Polish tenor Piotr Beczala as the doomed lovers. The opera centres on a tragic love triangle, as Lucia and Edgardo secretly become engaged, although Lucia is forced by her cruel brother to marry Arturo. She obeys, imagining that Edgardo is unfaithful, but after realising her mistake Lucia turns mad with anguish. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. The intervals include backstage interviews with the performers and the Met Opera Quiz. Lucia....Anna Netrebko (soprano) soprano anna netrebko and tenor piotr beczala star as the doomed lovers lucia....anna netrebko (soprano) | |
| Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin | 20090214 | From the Metropolitan Opera New York, Jiri Belohlavek conducts Karita Mattila as Tatiana and Thomas Hampson as Onegin in Tchaikovsky's great opera of thwarted love. Stuck on a country estate, Tatiana shuns the local festivities, preferring to immerse herself in romantic novels. When a stranger, Onegin, arrives, she takes him on a walk and ends up in love. Tatiana ends up marrying another man, but when she meets Onegin some years later, she admits to being in love with him but still refuses to leave her husband. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. The interval includes live backstage interviews. Tatiana....Karita Mattila (soprano) jiri belohlavek conducts tchaikovsky's great opera of thwarted love, with karita mattila | |
| Cilea's Adriana Lecouvreur | 20090221 | From the Metropolitan Opera, New York, Marco Armiliato conducts Placido Domingo in the role of Maurizio, in which he made his Met debut in 1969, along with Maria Guleghina and Olga Borodina in Cilea's evergreen opera. In 1730 at the Comedie Francaise in Paris, the great actress of the age, Adriana Lecouvreur, inspires a devoted following of aristocratic admirers, including Maurizio, Count of Saxony. Jealously is never far away and, tragically, this spells the end for Adriana in the form of poisoned flowers from an embittered rival for Maurizio's affections. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. The intervals include backstage interviews and the Met Opera Quiz. Adriana....Maria Guleghina (soprano) marco armiliato conducts Placido Domingo, maria guleghina in cilea's evergreen opera | |
| Verdi's Il Trovatore | 20090228 | From the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Gianandrea Noseda conducts Argentinian tenor Marcelo Alvarez in the title role alongside American soprano Sondra Radvanovsky as Leonora. This work is a tale of revenge, with a wretched twist, as Manrico, the troubadour, snatched as a baby and raised by the gypsy Azucena, discovers the tragic consequences of his upbringing later on in life. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. There are interviews with members of the cast during the interval. Count di Luna....Dmitri Hvorostovsky (baritone) Gianandrea Noseda conducts tenor marcelo alvarez in verdi's tale of revenge | |
| Puccini's Madama Butterfly | 20090307 | From the Metropolitan Opera, New York, Patrick Summers conducts Anthony Minghella's celebrated production of Puccini's opera, with soprano Cristina Gallardo-Domas and tenor Marcello Giordani in the leading roles. One one the most popular operas ever written, it is set in Nagasaki at the beginning of the 20th Century where a geisha named Cio-Cio San, known as 'Butterfly' to her friends, marries US Navy officer Pinkerton, who is stationed in Japan. He considers the union temporary, but Butterfly is clearly not under the same impression as she renounces her family and religion for the marriage. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. The intervals include backstage interviews and the Met Opera Quiz. Cio-Cio-San (Madam Butterfly)....Cristina Gallardo-Domas (soprano) Anthony Minghella's celebrated production, with soprano cristina gallardo-domas | |
| Dvorak's Rusalka | 20090314 | In a performance from the Metropolitan Opera, New York, Czech maestro Jiri Belohlavek conducts soprano Renee Fleming in the title role of Dvorak's opera - one she has made her own in recent years, with global success. Rusalka tells the romantic story of a water nymph, who falls in love with a human. It has a poetic score, which evokes the mystery of the forest and explores the clash of the human and fairy worlds, most famously with Rusalka's passionate Song to the Moon. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. The two intervals include backstage interviews and the Metropolitan Opera Quiz. Rusalka....Renee Fleming (soprano) from the metropolitan opera, jiri belohlavek conducts soprano Renee Fleming as rusalka | |
| Bellini's La Sonnambula | 20090321 | From the Metropolitan Opera, New York, Evelino Pido conducts Mary Zimmerman's new production of Bellini's opera, with soprano Natalie Dessay and tenor Juan Diego Florez in the lead roles. The story is set in a Swiss village inn, where a group of people are celebrating the marriage of orphan Amina to the rich Elvino. Her habit of sleepwalking accidentally leads her into the bed of Count Rodolfo, causing the villagers to reach the wrong conclusions and arouse Elvino's suspicions. Amina....Natalie Dessay (soprano) evelino pido conducts natalie dessay and juan diego florez in bellini's opera | |
| Wagner's Das Rheingold | 20090328 | From the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, James Levine conducts a performance of the first part of Wagner's four-part epic drama, The Ring of the Nibelung, based on Nordic myths. This timeless universe is the backdrop for a colossal fight between the god Wotan and the dwarf Alberich, the Nibelung, who wants to seize power with the help of a magic ring, forged with gold taken from the Rhein. A star cast is led by celebrated American bass-baritone James Morris, who has made the god Wotan his signature role. Presented by Margaret Juntwait, with guest commentator Ira Siff. Freia....Wendy Bryn Harmer (soprano) james levine conducts the first part of wagner's epic saga the ring of the nibelung | |
| Donizetti's L'elisir D'amore | 20090404 | From the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Maurizio Benini conducts Donizetti's belcanto comedy, with Angela Gheorghiu and Massimo Giordano in the lead roles. The young Nemorino is in love with the beautiful farm owner Adina, but she seems beyond his reach, even more so when Sergeant Belcore turns up and asks her to marry him. But Dr Dulcamara, a travelling quack and charlatan, arrives in the village offering potions capable of curing anything, including an elixir of love. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. The interval includes backstage interviews with members of the cast. Nemorino....Massimo Giordano (tenor) maurizio benini conducts donizetti's bel canto comedy, with angela gheorghiu | |
| Wagner's Die Walkure | 20090411 | From the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, James Levine conducts a performance of the second installment of Wagner's four-part epic drama, The Ring of the Nibelung, based on Nordic myths. Wotan, the emotionally volatile leader of the Gods, finds himself torn by conflicting loyalites. Will he support his children in their search for true love - even if adulterous and incestuous - or will he have to enforce the law and defend the conventional marriage rights of an unloved husband? Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. The two intervals include backstage interviews and the Met Quiz. Wagner: Die Walkure Siegmund....Johan Botha (tenor) james levine conducts the second part of wagner's epic saga the ring of the nibelung | |
| Wagner's Siegfried | 20090418 | From New York Metropolitan Opera, James Levine conducts a performance of the third part of Wagner's four-part epic drama, The Ring of the Nibelung, based on Nordic myths. German tenor Christian Franz, in his debut season at the Met, performs the title role, supported by Swedish soprano Irene Theorin. The story centres on the cycle's hero, the eponymous Siegfried, product of an incestuous union, who becomes a blacksmith and forges a sword with which he slays powerful foes. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. There are backstage interviews and the Met Quiz during the two intervals. Siegfried....Christian Franz (tenor) james levine conducts the third part of wagner's ring cycle | |
| Wagner's Gotterdammerung | 20090425 | In the final broadcast from New York Metropolitan Opera for the 2008/2009 season, James Levine conducts the last part of Wagner's Ring cycle, with Christian Franz as Siegfried and Katarina Dalayman as Brunnhilde. As a pledge of his love, Siegfried gives Brunnhilde the ring he took from the dragon Fafner, the ring made from the Rheingold that gives its owner power over all the world. Then she sends him into the world to do heroic deeds. But in the hall of the Gibichungs, Hagen has other ideas: a magic potion will make Siegfried forget Brunnhilde and fall in love with Gutrune. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. There are backstage interviews and the Met Quiz during the two intervals. Siegfried....Christian Franz (tenor) james levine conducts the final part of wagner's ring cycle | |
| Puccini's Il Trittico | 20091212 | To begin a new season of broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, Stefano Ranzini conducts a production of Puccini's ever-popular triple bill, which all star soprano Patricia Racette. Il Tabarro tells the story of a love affair which, when discovered, leads to murder. Suor Angelica is the tragic tale of a nun, banished to a convent after having had an illegitimate child. This is followed by the light relief of Gianni Schicchi in which the eponymous hero upsets the grasping Donato family by impersonating their recently deceased relative, ostensibly to ensure that the family gets his properties while in fact taking the best of them for himself. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. During the two intervals there are backstage interviews and the Met Quiz. Il Tabarro: Giorgetta....Patricia Racette (soprano) Frugola....Stephanie Blythe (mezzo-soprano) Luigi....Salvatore Licitra (tenor) Michele....Zeljko Lucic (baritone) Suor Angelica: Suor Angelica....Patricia Racette (soprano) Sister Genovieffa....Heidi Grant Murphy (soprano) Principessa....Stephanie Blythe (mezzo-soprano) Gianni Schicchi: Lauretta....Patricia Racette (soprano) Rinuccio....Saimir Pirgu (tenor) Gianni Schicchi....Alessandro Corbelli (baritone) Zita....Stephanie Blythe (mezzo-soprano) Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera Stefano Ranzini (conductor). Stefano Ranzini conducts a triple-bill of Il Tabarro, Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi. | |
| Offenbach's Les Contes D'hoffmann | 20091219 | From the Metropolitan Opera, New York, James Levine conducts a production of Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann, starring Joseph Calleja as the troubled poet, as well as Anna Netrebko, Ekaterina Gubanova and Kathleen Kim as Hoffmann's former loves. Hoffmann is waiting for the object of his affection, Stella, to arrive and fills the time by telling the tale of his disastrous past loves. First, a mechanical doll called Olympia, destroyed by her owner. His second love, Antonia, dies when the impulse to sing is too much for her weak heart. Finally the Venetian courtesan Giulietta steals his reflection as well as his heart before choosing a different suitor. Stella finally arrives to find Hoffmann drunk, so leaves with his rival for her love. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. With live backstage interviews and the Met Quiz during the two intervals. Olympia....Kathleen Kim (soprano) Antonia/Stella....Anna Netrebko (soprano) Giulietta....Ekaterina Gubanova (mezzo-soprano) Nicklausse/The Muse....Kate Lindsey (mezzo-soprano) Hoffmann....Joseph Calleja (tenor) Four Villains....Alan Held Orchestra and Chorus of Metropolitan Opera James Levine (conductor). From the Metropolitan Opera, James Levine conducts Joseph Calleja as the poet, Hoffmann. | |
| Elektra | 20091226 | Richard Strauss's Elektra, live from the Metropolitan Opera, New York, conducted by Fabio Luisi, with soprano Susan Bullock in the title role. Strauss's one-act opera tells the bloody story of Elektra and her dysfunctional family. She has sworn vengeance for the murder of her father King Agamemnon by her mother Klytaemnestra. The opera tells the story of how she eventually achieves this, at the cost of several lives including, finally, her own. Susan Bullock won an Royal Philharmonic Society award for her portrayal of the obsessed princess when she performed the role at Covent Garden earlier in 2009. A first-rate cast also includes Felicity Palmer as Klytaemnestra and Deborah Voigt as Chrysothemis. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. Elektra....Susan Bullock (soprano) Chrysothemis....Deborah Voigt (soprano) Klytaemnestra....Felicity Palmer (mezzo-soprano) Aegisth....Wolfgang Schmidt (tenor) Orestes....Evgeny Nikitin (bass-baritone) Metropolitan Opera Orchestra Fabio Luisi (conductor). Fabio Luisi conducts Strauss's Elektra, with soprano Susan Bullock in the title role. | |
| Humperdinck's Hansel Und Gretel | 20100102 | Live from the Metropolitan Opera, New York, Fabio Luisi conducts Hansel und Gretel, Humperdinck's take on the Brothers Grimm fairytale. Angelika Kirchschlager and Miah Persson star as the brother and sister lost in the woods looking for food, who find an inviting gingerbread house to feast on. Philip Langridge potrays the witch with more than just gingerbread on her mind for her next meal. Always a Christmas favourite, Hansel and Gretel has drama, humour and some great music. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. With live backstage interviews during the interval. Gretel....Miah Persson (soprano) Hansel....Angelika Kirchschlager (mezzo-soprano) Gertrude....Rosalind Plowright (soprano) Peter....Dwayne Croft (baritone) Witch....Philip Langridge (tenor) Sandman....Jennifer Johnson (soprano) Dew Fairy....Erin Morley (soprano) Orchestra and Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera Metropolitan Children's Chorus Fabio Luisi (conductor). Fabio Luisi conducts Angelika Kirschlager in a version of the Brothers Grimm fairytale. | |
| Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier | 20100109 | From the Metropolitan Opera, New York, Edo de Waart conducts Renee Fleming, Susan Graham and Christine Schafer in Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier. The story centres on the Marschallin, who enjoys time with her young lover Octavian, but knows that she is getting older and that one day he will lose interest in her. Sure enough, when he is chosen to deliver the engagement silver rose from the Baron Ochs to Sophie, they fall instantly in love with each other. The Marschallin understands the situation and graciously lets Octavian go to his new love. Strauss's masterpiece contains comedy, pathos and some sumptuous female vocal writing. Edo de Waart conducts Renee Fleming in Richard Strauss's masterpiece Der Rosenkavalier. | |
| Bizet's Carmen | 20100116 | Including the Toreador's Song and Habanera, Bizet's Carmen is packed full of some of the best known and instantly hummable tunes in the Classical canon. So it's easy to forget that the score was declared unplayable, and the story too scandalous and debauched for polite society at its 1875 premiere. What upset the prim Parisians was that the cast of low-life characters, including factory workers, gypsies and soldiers, is depicted without rose-tinted romanticism, the slaves of their torrid passions. Jealousy, crime and murder dominate in a Spanish setting that the French preferred to think of as perfumed and exotic. But posterity gave Bizet the last laugh and star singers have always been attracted to the roles, including Latvian mezzo-of-the-moment Elina Garanca in the title role, and the internationally renowned tenor Roberto Alagna as her murderous lover Don José. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. Including backstage interviews with artists during the interval. Carmen: Elina Garanca (mezzo-soprano) Don José: Roberto Alagna (tenor) Moralès: Trevor Scheunemann (baritone) Micaëla: Barbara Frittoli (soprano) Escamillo: Mariusz Kwiecien (baritone) Dancaire: Earle Patriarco (tenor) Remendado: Keith Jameson (tenor) Zuniga: Keith Miller (bass) Frasquita: Elizabeth Caballero (soprano) Mercédès: Sandra Piques Eddy (soprano) Yannick Nézet-Séguin (conductor) Orchestra and Chorus of Metropolitan Orchestra. Yannick Nezet-Seguin conducts Bizet's tale of gypsies, love, jealousy and murder. | |
| Verdi's Stiffelio | 20100130 | Verdi's opera Stiffelio had a troubled history. The predominantly Catholic Italy of the mid-19th century was not ready for a story of adultery in the home of a Protestant minister and the opera was severely censored at the time of its première in 1850. Forced to extensively revise his opera, Verdi then lost interest in it and did his best to destroy all copies of the original manuscript. It wasn't until 1960 that a complete score of Stiffelio was discovered, and in 1993 it entered the repertory of the Metropolitan Opera with tenor Plácido Domingo in the title role. Domingo now takes up the conductor's baton whilst Argentinian tenor José Cura sings the role of Stiffelio, the troubled clergyman who struggles between his ideals and the urge for revenge. American soprano Sondra Radvanovsky performs the role of his wife, Lina. From the opening scene, the young Verdi's originality is apparent as he begins Stiffelio with a long, ambitious septet and goes on from there with that mixture of dramatic force and melodic richness that made him the most successful composer of Italian opera in the second half of the 19th century. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. Backstage interviews with members of the cast and the Met Quiz during the intervals. Stiffelio: José Cura (tenor) Lina: Sondra Radvanovsky (soprano) Stankar: Andrzej Dobber (baritone) Raffaele von Leuthold: Michael Fabiano (tenor) Jorg: Phillip Ens (bass) Dorotea: Jennifer Check (mezzo-soprano) Federico: Diego Torre (tenor) Plácido Domingo (conductor) Orchestra and Chorus of Metropolitan Orchestra. Placido Domingo conducts tenor Jose Cura in Verdi's controversial opera Stiffelio. | |
| Verdi's Simon Boccanegra | 20100206 | Verdi's dark score forms the background for one of his most commanding operas on many of his favourite themes: the people pitted against the aristocratic few; power and politics; illegitimacy and forbidden love. All of these are in play as the Plebeian Doge of 14th Century Genoa struggles against his Patrician bitter rival. Plácido Domingo takes on one of the great baritone roles of the repertoire, Simon Boccanegra, and bass James Morris plays his nemesis, Jacopo Fiesco. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. Including backstage interviews and the famous Met Quiz during the intervals. Simon Boccanegra: Plácido Domingo (baritone) Amelia: Adrianne Pieczonka (soprano) Gabriele Adorno: Marcello Giordano (tenor) Jacopo Fiesco: James Morris (bass) Paolo Albiani: Nicola Alaimo (bass) Pietro: Richard Bernstein (baritone) Maidservant: Joyce El-Khoury (soprano) Chorus and Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera, New York James Levine (conductor). James Levine conducts tenor Placido Domingo in Verdi's tale of power and politics. |