With an American opera house of international caliber, why miss the opportunity to see and hear the world’s best performances from the Metropolitan Opera?
Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, the MET is offering a handful of operas for free through their "Nightly Opera Stream" series. They are also streaming much of their catalog for free if you sign up for a seven day trial of the MET's "on demand" platform or for a $4.99 rental per work.
Here are a few recommendations not to miss from IPR's Jacqueline Halbloom.
Turandot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrC9TaC42I4
The last opera of melodic genius, Puccini’s is a brilliant performance. The MET showcases the work with the opulent 32-year-old staging of Franco Zeffirelli.
One of the most-in-demand dramatic tenors Yusif Eyvazov portrays the handsome prince Calàf. Yusif steals-the-show with one of Puccini’s most famous and best-loved tenor arias, Calàf’s “Nessun dorma.” Dramatic soprano, Christine Goerke, captures the essence and transformation of the steely princess Turandot. And the Met chorus provides the icing on Zeffirelli’s cake, frosting the entire production with a rich range of sounds.
Die Zauberflote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JhRa0xwUjg
The MET’s 2017 dazzling production of Mozart’s classic fairly tale, Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) is a treat for new and seasoned opera lovers of all ages!
The MET revives Julie Taymor’s extraordinarily imaginative production and captures Mozart’s magical setting of good over evil, balancing the profound with the delightful.
As always, the MET assembles a brilliant cast: Baritone Markus Werba appears as the humorous and engaging Papageno. Soprano Kathryn Lewak’s commanding depiction of the Queen of the Night raises the roof with her exhilarating stratospheric vocals. And soprano Golda Schultz makes her impressive Met debut with her gentle and graceful portrayal of Pamina.
Cendrillon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnpezIDSK6Q
I’d also think Massent’s Cendrillon with mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato singing the title role as Cinderella would be a wonderful and imaginative opera for families to watch together.
