Metropolitan Opera 2014-15 Preview: What Latin Stars Will Grace the Opera House This Year?
With the 2014-15 Metropolitan Opera season opening in a few days, there are a number of Latin American artists that will grace the stage this season.
One of the biggest stars of the season will undoubtedly be Mezzo soprano Isabel Leonard. The singer of Argentine descent will open the season in the new production of Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro." She will sing the role of Cherubino, a role she has performed to great success at the Met. The opening night will be broadcast in Times Square and then a later performance of the Opera will be transmitted live to movie theaters around the world as part of the HD series.
Leonard will later return to the Met for a run of Rossini's "Il Barbiere di Siviglia." The mezzo will sing her acclaimed portrayal of Rosina, which she has performed around the world and at the Met. She will also grace the silver screen for the second time in the season, as the opera will also be transmitted in movie theaters.
Another big highlight of the season will be the return of Brazilian baritone Paulo Szot. The Tony Award-winning singer will perform the controversial opera "Death of Klinghoffer" by John Adams. Szot has become one the most sought-after singers on both Broadway and Opera for his great acting and singing. The baritone will portray the role of the Captain and he should easily create a memorable character in the new production by Tom Morris.
The great Spanish tenor Placido Domingo will return to the podium to conduct Verdi's "Aida" with a stunning a cast. He will also add another role to his repertoire. This time he will perform the baritone role of Don Carlo in Verdi's "Ernani." Domingo was known for his portrayal of the title role in the 80s, so it will be interesting to see his interpretation of the difficult baritone role.
Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez will also return to the Met to perform the role of Giacomo V in Rossini's "La Donna del Lago." The tenor has performed the role to critical praise at La Scala di Milano and the Royal Opera House in London. This time around he will star in a new production by Paul Curran opposite mezzo soprano Joyce DiDonato. He will also return to movie theaters when the opera is transmitted live in HD.
Argentine tenor Marcelo Alvarez will bring his lavish voice to the new production of Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana" and Leoncavallo's "Pagaliacci." The tenor will sing the famous double bill and will also return to movie theaters after having been seen in the new production of Verdi's "Un Ballo in Maschera" two seasons ago.
Alavarez will join legendary tenors Placido Domingo, Richard Tucker, Roberto Alagna and Jose Cura to do both operas in the same night.
Uruguayan bass-baritone Erwin Schrott will bring his charisma back to the Met in the role of Figaro in Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro." Schrott is well known for his portrayal of Figaro and he has sung it around the world. The bass-baritone will sing the second run of performances and will be featured in the star-studded second cast.
Mexican tenor Ramon Vargas will reprise his interpretation of Rodolfo in Puccini's "La Boheme." The Golden Voiced tenor has performed the role at the Met several times and his portrayal was even released on DVD from one of the Met's Live in HD transmission. Vargas will sing the second cast of performances with acclaimed Latvian soprano Kristine Opolais and these performances should be some of the highlights of the season.
The Metropolitan Opera's season will run from Sept. 23 to May 9.
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