Metropolitan Opera 2014-15 Season Highlights: Anna Netrebko, Diana Damrau and Vittorio Grigolo Among them!
As the 2014-15 Metropolitan Opera season comes to close, the house will be preparing for its ballet season and later preparing for yet another opening night in September.
After presenting 25 productions with some new works new to the Met and some of the great classics, it important to look back at some of the great moments this season had. The following is a list of the most memorable operas and individual performances that really electrified the season.
"Macbeth" - While the Verdi work did not open the season, most raved that this was the real opening night to a season that for most critics and audiences started off slowly. What made this revival of Adrian Noble's production so memorable was the magnificent turn by Russian diva Anna Netrebko. Latin Post, who attended opening night, raved and stated, "it was one of the most electrifying nights in recent opera history." Indeed Netrebko's vocalism and her stage presence led an outstanding cast that also included Zeljko Lucic, Rene Pape and Joseph Calleja. With such an outstanding cast the Met put together one of the best revivals in recent years and thankfully recorded it for posterity through their live in HD season.
"Manon" - If Macbeth was the real opening night, Massenet's "Manon" enlivened the second part of the season. The casting of Vittorio Grigolo and Diana Damrau promised to be electric as these two stars are well known for their acting skills and their spontaneity. The result was an exceptional night filled with vocal fireworks, large ovations and most likely the best "Manon" the Met has presented in decades. Damrau and Grigolo, who had never worked together showcased a powerful chemistry that should have been recorded on the HD series. Latin Post said, "it is undoubtedly one of the finest productions of the season." For those who witnessed the performances, it will be hard to watch this opera again without having these singers in their minds.
Sonya Yoncheva - Every season a new singer comes to the Met in hopes of breaking out and becoming the next big star. Yoncheva was originally scheduled to sing the Musetta in "La Boheme," a role that would have showed her acting skills but wouldn't have showcased her as the star of the night. However, after a number of cancellations from other singers, she was given the lead role of Mimi in "La Boheme." With no rehearsal time and having just given birth, the soprano became an instant hit. Only a month later she replaced an ailing Marina Poplavskaya in Verdi's "La Tarviata" and showcased once again why she is the next big star of the Met. Next season she will open the Met in the role of Desdemona in Verdi's "Otello" and according to General Manager Peter Gelb, the Met has big plans for the soprano.
Contemporary Opera - The Met has had a hard time bringing to life some of the classics from Verdi and even the Bel Canto composers. These revivals sometimes feel routine and lack fresh insight from its performers. However, the Met has been successful in bringing to life the masterworks of the 20th century. The season began with the controversial "The Death of Klinghoffer" by John Adams. In arguably the best new production of the season, the work was a highlight that while it brought protests showcased some of the best singing from its chorus and its cast. Eva-Maria Westbroek than brought to life Shostakovich's "Lady of Macbeth of Mtsenk," a work that is rarely performed and one that the Dutch soprano is recognized for. The result was an introspective and erotic night that showcased the best qualities of the Dutch soprano. It didn't hurt that production by Graham Vick is among the best at the Met. Stravinsky's "The Rake's Progress" was also a highlight with a star turn from Paul Appleby and a memorable Stephanie Blythe. Nadja Michael returned to the Met after a disappointing debut as Lady Macbeth and brought one of the most powerful performances of the year in Bartok's "Bluebeard's Castle."
"Carmen" - It's hard to say how many times this work has been performed around the world. However, the Met seems to always get it right. With two star casts the company showcased the best of its talents. Anita Rachvelishivli proved once again why she is one of the best Carmen's of our time while Aleksandrs Antonenko brought his powerful voice to the role of Don Jose. Anita Hartig also showed why she has become a Met favorite. In the second cast Elina Garanca brought her allure and fierce character to the role while Yonghoon Lee stepped in for Jonas Kaufmann. Lee showed that he is one of the finest dramatic tenors of his generation. Ailyn Perez also made a powerful debut that shows promise for a long career at the Met.
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