If you are one of those opera fans who has been enjoying the big screen presentations at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre over the past few years, it’s time to get your calendar out again because the new season is about to start.
The Met: Live in HD offers the opportunity to hear and see some of the world’s greatest singers in iconic roles, broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera stage in New York City.
It all begins with Verdi’s Il Trovatore Saturday, Oct. 3 at 9:55 a.m.
Regulars know these are morning shows but newbies must remember they are matinees broadcast live from NYC and be ready to rise early, particularly when Wagner’s lengthy works are on the menu.
The season opener features soprano Anna Netrebko in the role of Leonora
Tenor Yonghoon Lee sings the ill-fated troubadour, Manrico, baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky is his rival, and mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick is the mysterious gypsy with the troubled past. Marco Armiliato conducts Sir David McVicar’s Goya-inspired production.
The opera runs about three hours and 10 minutes so be ready for an exciting session that features intermission interviews with the cast, crew and production team for insights into the behind the scenes world of the Met.
Ticket prices for single performances in this series are $27 each for adults, $25 for seniors and $23 for students.
Savings are available, though, for opera lovers who want to purchase more than one show. You can compose your own series out of the 10 on offer or buy them all for even greater value. Check with the ticket centre folks by calling 250-748-7529 and then decide.
Next up in the series is Richard Wagner’s Tannhäuser, which starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.