On New Year 's Eve Diana Damrau will return to the Metropolitan Opera for the first performances of Bizet's "Les Pêcheurs de Perles" in 100 years.

The Music

Although Bizet is best known for his work "Carmen," "Les Pêcheurs de Perles" has a number of famous pieces including the stunning tenor and baritone duet "Au fond du temple saint." The duet is abundant with melody and sentiment that the composer did not quite capture in "Carmen." It also captures sadness and loss.

While not exactly a soprano showcase as many expect the opera has many striking lyrical lines and the score is filled with many delightful melodies for the female lead. The role of the chorus is also important, and it is evident from the opening number, with its beautiful middle section for men's voices. The Orchestral writing is also interesting as it features many subtle touches and colors of the Asian world.

Met History

Although it is very popular around the world, the Met has not presented the work in 100 years. Before the 2015- 16 season, the opera was presented four times. Three of the performances took place in 1916 and starred Enrico Caruso and Giuseppe De Luca.

Since then only excerpts of the work have been heard on the Met stage. Plácido Domingo and Sherrill Milnes as well as Roberto Alagna and Bryn Terfel have performed the famous duet "Au fond du temple saint" at the famed theater.

The Production

For this premiere Penny Woolcock will return to the Met after her work on "Dr. Atomic." The production, which is a co-production with the English National Opera, is set in the Far East and Woolcock sought to respect the original Sri Lankan setting. However, the production is set in a more contemporary time in a poor village right at the edge of the sea.

The Performers

German soprano Diana Damrau leads the charge in this new production as Leila. The coloratura soprano recently sang the role at the Vienna Festival and received critical acclaim.

Hailed for her spontaneity and her searing acting skills, Damrau created a historic "Manon" run last season at the Met. The soprano has recently taken on more lyric roles and her "La Traviata" is among the most celebrated in the world. This season Damrau will also sing her acclaimed interpretation of Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor," and she will made her role debut at the Countess in Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro."

Amanda Woodbury will sing one performance of Leila.

Matthew Polenzani will perform the role of Nadir. The American tenor has been hailed for his vocal clarity and beautiful voice. Aside from the role of Nadir, Polenzani will perform the title role in Donizetti's "Roberto Devereux." He is also scheduled to perform in Massenet's "Werther" in Vienna.

For the role as Zurga, Polish Baritone Mariusz Kwiecien will bring his charisma to the stage. The singing actor is also joining Polenzani in "Roberto Devereux" and is also scheduled to sing Verdi's "Don Carlo."

Bass Nicolas Teste will round out the cast as Nourabad, while Gianandrea Noseda will lead the Met Orchestra in all eight performances.