Metropolitan Opera New York Turns 50
Fifty Years Ago, Sept. 16, 1966, The Metropolitan open with a performance of Samuel Barber’s “Anthony and Cleopatra,” starring Justino Diaz and Leontyne Price. The Metropolitan Opera, commonly referred to as “The Met”, is a company based in New York City, resident at the Metropolitan Opera House at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The company is operated by the non-profit Metropolitan Opera Association, with Peter Gelb as general manager. The music director position is in transition as of 2016. The music director designate is Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the music director emeritus is James Levine. The Met was founded in 1880 as an alternative to the previously established Academy of Music opera house, and debuted in 1883 in a new building on 39th and Broadway now known as the “Old Met”.
On Stage 2016 – 2017
La Boheme Giacomo Puccini Sept 28 – Jan 14
The Met presents its spectacular Zeffirelli production,with multiple excellent casts: Ailyn Pérez and Kristine Opolais are paired with Dmytro Popov, Piotr Beczała, and Michael Fabiano, as the young Parisian lovers at the center of the story. Susanna Phillips, David Bizic, and Massimo Cavalletti also star. Carlo Rizzi and Marco Armiliato conduct.
Carmen Georges Bizet Jan 19 – Feb 18
Two French mezzo-sopranos, Sophie Koch and Clémentine Margaine, alternate as Bizet’s immortal heroine. Tenor Marcelo Álvarez is her hapless soldier Don José, and newcomer Maria Agresta—a sensation in her debut in La Bohème in the current Met season—is the devoted Micaëla, who fights to save him. Dan Ettinger and Louis Langrée share conducting duties.
Cyrano de Bergerac May 02 – May 13
The comedy/tragedy of Cyrano de Bergerac and his beloved Roxane, a love story for the ages, comes alive in this rediscovered operatic gem, which packs the power of full-blooded Italian verismo. The title role is a signature part for the charismatic star tenor Roberto Alagna, performing it with the company for the first time opposite Met favorite Patricia Racette, who plays his secret love. Marco Armiliato conducts.
Don Giovanni Sept – May 11
Three charismatic singers, Simon Keenlyside, Ildar Abdrazakov, and Mariusz Kwiecien, share the role of the title hero, who goes to hell in a dazzling coup de théâtre. The ensemble of great Mozartean singers includes Isabel Leonard, Angela Meade, Matthew Polenzani, Marina Rebeka, Erwin Schrott, and Ramón Vargas. Fabio Luisi and Plácido Domingo conduct.
