"Carmen" is one of the best known operas in the entire cannon and when combined with a terrific cast and great production, it could easily be the best. There is no doubt that the cast assembled for the March 7 performance hit that benchmark in every possible way.
All in all, this is as balanced a "Don Giovanni" as one would hope for. The eponymous character stands above and beyond the rest, but the other cast members manage to carve out meaningful arcs for their characters that add layers of complexity to this most fascinating of works.
Recently, soprano Ailyn Perez spoke with NY Students as part of the Metropolitan Opera Guild's four-day intensive program to prepare aspiring music students for their next big step.
This run of "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" could not have ended on a higher note. In all ways, this was a truly masterful portrayal of a work often unfairly overlooked because of its unfinished state. The next cast, which takes the stage on Feb. 28, will undoubtedly bring tremendous pleasures to its audience, but even then it will have a tough act to follow.
Puccini's "La Boheme" is a staple at the Met, but it is presented so often that it can come off as routine and uninteresting. But, the performers on display for the latest run have proven why this opera is so enduring and that it is possible to constantly to breathe new life into it.
Marina Rebeka came on the scene at the Met as an irresistible Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, but here she has showcased another wondrous aspect as the tragic heroine in Verdi's unforgettable masterpiece. Flanked by the multi-faceted turn by Quinn Kelsey and Willy Decker's ever-fascinating production, this is a must-see of the Metropolitan's 2014-15 season.
Richard Eyre's production showed it staying power and furthered the notion that the director favored his actors over any model concept. The world of his Figaro came alive thanks to its tremendous cast and solid conductor. There is one more performance of this great masterpiece before it is completely finished for the 2014-15 season.
"Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg" is a tricky opera in many respects. While filled with comic touches, it is a lengthy work whose main character is a tragic figure. But led by the legendary Levine and Morris, the other terrific cast members and Schenk's ever-new production, the work's terrific balance comes to the fore in a manner that is enthralling, entertaining and emotionally transcendent.
Overall this "Boheme" showed just how powerful this opera and production could still be despite its regular presentation. Yoncheva and DeMuro are two stars in the making while the remaining cast members all bring brilliant artistic qualities to make this a complete performance.
There is only one more performance remaining of "Die Zauberflote" and for this writer is a definite must see. The performances are all top notch, the production is easily one of the finest that company has to offer and the opera itself is one of the most enduring and endearing works in the entire canon (not to mention that there is nothing like listening to it in the original German). The Met's 2014-15 season has already presented a number of unforgettable performances. This "Zauberflote" is surely on that list.
So what did this pandemonium over "The Death of Klinghoffer" actually achieve? The Metropolitan Opera got more publicity from these protests. The protestors got to say their bit. The politicians even got some new supporters. But when all is said and done, the protests that Adams' masterpiece unintentionally created actually achieved something beautiful.
There was solid singing and lush orchestral playing on display in this Met "Boheme." But unfortunately there was little else. Those familiar with the work at the famed opera house might be a bit underwhelmed, but those getting to know the work for the first time will still find enough to enjoy.
Perfection is non-existent. But every once in a while, something comes extremely close to it. That is exactly what happened on the opening performance of this "Macbeth." While the season has just begun, it is fair to say that this is surely going to be one of the best revivals of the season and one that should not be missed.
Despite the protests, which will undoubtedly leave their imprint on the collective conscience, art has won in the end. This "Nozze di Figaro" is a theatrical triumph and the cast that has been assembled is as good as any that one could ask for.
On May 10, the Metropolitan Opera's 2013-14 season comes to a close with many historical performances and highlights that will be hard to forget. The following is a look at the season's big highlights and Latin Post's favorite moments of the year.
This "Cosi Fan Tutte" had everything working for it. The singers were not only at the top of their games but managed to create complex portrayals of the iconic characters while maestro Levine conducted an exciting account of Mozart's ever-fascinating score. The season is winding down, and this is the perfect way to say goodbye to what has been a successful run of performances in 2013-14.
The Met's revival of "La Cenerentola" is one of the finest displays of riveting Belcanto that the company has put on in the last few years. The performance features a fine blend of tremendous humor as well as complex performances (both vocally and dramatically) from its wondrous cast. The work has five performances remaining, including a final one on the last day of the 2013-14 season. It is the perfect way for the Met to send off what has been an unforgettable season.
Opolais has four more performances of the role at the Met this season and there should be no doubt that like her sensational performance on Friday, she will only get better and better as the run progresses. Her Butterfly is arguably one of the best of modern times and will leave the viewer emotionally exhausted due to its visceral nature. Anthony Minghella's glorious production, which is usually one of the main draws for a revival of this wonderful work, is the icing on the cake.
Most of this cast will reappear on Saturday April 5 when the opera gets a long-awaited HD broadcast. Judging from the exceptional performance on Saturday night, that worldwide transmission will be one for the ages. Audiences who are able to catch the last few performances of Boheme will be treated to an unforgettable night filled with unbridled passion, but intelligent stagecraft at the same time.
