Opera Matinee

A presentation from Fall 2022, Giuseppi Verdi's grand-scale Don Carlo, based on true conflicts from the 16th century in the life of Prince Carlos of Spain during the late Renaissance, a tale of unfulfilled love and betrayal set in motion by international politics and intrigue. Carlo Rizzi conducts, with Russell Thomas in the title role.

A Met recorded performance from October 2022, Shotakovich's controversial drama, composed in 1932 involves a married woman whose passion for another man leads to murder. Featuring Svetlana Sozdeteliva and Brandon Jovanovich.

The popular “Listener’s Choice” program -- a favorite Met production from its vast archives, as voted by listeners – returns for this week's broadcast. Stay tuned to find out which historical performance was chosen!

Intimate and heartfelt, Verdi's masterpiece and audience favorite includes some of his most profound and heartfelt music in a story of doomed love and sacrifice between the courtesan Violetta and Alfredo. This production features soprano Angel Blue and Dmytro Popov.

Wagner’s shimmering presentation of the Swan Knight and his mysterious background is rooted in German medieval romance, stemming from French and Italian grand opera yet bearing the marks of a new genre of opera. Renowned tenor Piotr Beczała is featured in the title role, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

Bellini's bel canto masterpiece, a drama of the High Priestess Norma who forsakes her ideals and vows for love, resulting in a deadly triangle of love and sacrifice. Soprano Sonya Yoncheva is featured in title role, conducted by Maurizio Benini.

Verdi’s final opera, the lighthearted Falstaff, is based on Shakespeare and replete with merriment and mischief as the knight Falstaff attempts to seduce two women to gain access to their husbands' wealth. This production features Michael Volle in the title role.

Puccini's dramatic thriller of love between an artist and a singer torn apart by cruelty and jealousy, set to gorgeous music and stirring choral moments. This production features renowned soprano Angela Gheorghiu in the title role.

An eternal favorite, Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier is a light-hearted opera set in the splendor of 18th Vienna, a backdrop to comedy, romance and bittersweet reflections on aging. Featuring Isabelle Leonard and Lise Davidson, conducted by Simone Young.

Considered to be Mozart's "choral opera", this grand scale work showcases Mozart's maturity as an operatic composer in the legend of Idomeneo, King of Crete, who faces horrific consequences of his vow to Neptune for safe passage. Michael Spyres is featured in the title role, conducted by Manfred Honeck.

Deeply rich, with subtle beauty, Britten's 1945 masterpiece is the gripping and tragic story of mistrust and secrets as an enigmatic fisherman faces oppression and is accused of murder. This recorded performance from November 2022 stars Allan Clayton in the title role.

One of the most beloved of operas, Puccini's La Bohème is a sensitive portrait of young bohemians in 1840s Paris, focusing on the joys and sorrows of love between Rodolfo and Mimì. Featuring Stephen Costello and Eleanora Burrato, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin.