James Levine will conduct this revival - rarely staged at the Met and now appearing as an HD opera simulcast for the first time - of Idomeneo, which is set in the period after the Trojan war and was considered by its composer to be one of his chief works. Neglected for 200 years after its 1781 première, this opera seria is a highly demanding work both technically and vocally. It is complex to stage and requires a very large chorus.
This classic production directed by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle, who was born 85 years ago and died in 1988, will feature in the title role Matthew Polenzani, one of the New York opera house's leading lyric tenors. Since making his début there in 1997, he has taken the stage in more than 300 performances, in over 20 different roles. Portraying Elettra will be the fantastic South African soprano Elza van den Heever, who made her Met début in 2012 in a memorable performance in the title role of Donizetti's Maria Stuarda, in addition to making extremely frequent appearances in European opera houses. Nadine Sierra, 2009 winner of the Metropolitan Opera's singing competition, will perform the part of the orphaned daughter of the king of Troy, while the trouser role of the title character's son goes to Briton Alice Coote. Arbace will be sung by Cornish baritone Alan Opie, who has been a member of the international front rank for decades.

For information about the entire 2016/17 season schedule for the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD series, click here.

The „Metropolitan Opera Live in HD” transmissions have been made possible through the cooperation of our partner, Cikánek Management.

Presented by: Müpa Budapest