As if you didn't have enough planned for the summer, now comes a most anticipated Metropolitan Opera debut. Polish film director Mariusz Treliński is gearing up to premiere two rarely performed one-act productions, that of Iolanta and Bluebeard's Castle.
The double bill is an unorthodox event, bringing together two unexpected operas for the price of one. Valery Gergiev is set to conduct in co-production with Teatr Wielki-Polish National Opera.
As it's been reported, the lovely Anna Netrebko stars in the title role with Piotr Beczala and Aleski Markov as Vaudémont and Robert, two rivals for her love. Nadja Michael sings the central role of Judith in Bluebeard with Mikhail Petrenko as her mysterious and menacing new beau.
The New York Times noted of the performance:
"There were overwhelming passages in Mr. Gergiev's account of this astonishing Bartok score, with its Expressionist angst and Debussy-like lushness. He brought out rustic, folkloric elements in the music that seemed fresh."
And Bloomberg wrote of the double-bill:
"Thrillingly staged by Mariusz Treliński ... Both operas make poetic use of video in a way I've rarely seen on the opera stage. And both had superlative casts. Netrebko's blooming soprano and dignity — even in a billowy white nightgown — humanized the princess. Piotr Beczala's tenor gleamed as Vaudémont, who lights up her life."
As of late, the Iolanta/Bluebeard's Castle performance will broadcast on THIRTEEN's Great Performances at the Met on Sunday, July 12 at 12 p.m. on PBS. Bass baritone Eric Owens hosts the simulcast.
In the meantime, check out a preview of the event below.
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