The goal is to capture with 'emotionally historic accuracy' the stifling atmosphere of the Spanish inquisition, said Gelb, which he called a 'good parable for what is happening in today's world with rising intolerance and rampant authoritarianism.' 'What we cherish is the opportunity to carry out these traditions, and to sustain them for future generations. The work brimming with wrenching arias and confrontational duets was in this rendition staged by David McVicar, and features mostly dark sets that capture a grim world backdropped by war and terror.īen Bowman, a violinist and Met Orchestra concertmaster, said that when it comes to famous operas like this one, 'I don't know that innovation is so critical.' 'Don Carlos' requires marathon singing performances from the tenor in the title role as well as from the soprano playing Elisabeth de Valois, whom Don Carlos loves they are played by Matthew Polenzani and Sonya Yoncheva. Verdi's longest opera, the Italian version of 'Don Carlos' has been a staple at the New York house for decades, featuring stars like Jussi Bjorling, Franco Corelli and Montserrat Caballe.

While the demands are different than with a completely new work like 'Fire,' reinventing a beloved work like 'Don Carlos' involves challenges of its own.

'Don Carlos,' in contrast, exudes tradition: set in a royal court during the Spanish inquisition, it's populated by a troubled set of characters who spend much of five-act saga conspiring against each other.Īctors Angel Blue and Will Liverman starred in Terence Blanchard's 'Fire Shut Up in My Bones,' which the Metropolitan Opera opened its 2021-22 season with, its first piece by a Black composer TIMOTHY A. To coincide with premiering the opera that tackles issues surrounding racism, sexual identity and trauma, the Met also organized related events to engage new audiences including a simulcast of the show in Harlem. 'Fire' was the first full opera performed at the house in a year and half due to the coronavirus pandemic, and marked the organization's boldest step thus far to appeal beyond its usual core audience, which generally leans older, wealthier and white.Īudiences at 'Fire' performances, half of which sold out, were notably younger and more diverse. 'But we're trying to at least please most of them most of the time.' 'Break new ground' 'Don Carlos' demands marathon singing performances from the tenor in the title role as well as from the soprano playing Elisabeth de Valois, whom Don Carlos loves they are played by Matthew Polenzani and Sonya Yoncheva ANGELA WEISS AFP

Don carlos met opera 2022