The Metropolitan Opera

Watch The Metropolitan Opera

  • 1977
  • 7.7  (58)

The Metropolitan Opera is an iconic show that has been gracing the stages of New York since the early 20th century. The show is famous for its grandeur, its incredibly talented performers, and the soaring melodies of some of the world's most beloved operas. The 1977 production starring Luciano Pavarotti, Joan Sutherland, and Placido Domingo was no exception. This incredible cast brought their world-renowned talents to the stage and filled the Met with their stunning voices and spellbinding performances, creating an unforgettable experience for opera lovers everywhere.

One of the standout performers of the show was of course, Luciano Pavarotti, who was at the height of his career at the time. Known for his incredible range and powerful voice, Pavarotti took on the role of the Duke in Giuseppe Verdi's "Rigoletto". His performance was nothing short of mesmerizing, as he effortlessly glided from one aria to the next with an astonishing level of skill and control. His soaring high notes and delicate vibrato left the audience hanging on his every word, making for an unforgettable evening.

Joan Sutherland, another heavyweight of the operatic world, took on the role of Lucia in Gaetano Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor". The role requires a singer of almost unparalleled technical skill, and Sutherland rose to the challenge beautifully. Her voice was equally impressive in the delicate, quiet moments as it was in the high, stratospheric notes that are the hallmark of the role. Sutherland's performance was a testament to her incredible artistry and her unmatched vocal talents.

Placido Domingo, the multi-talented singer and conductor, brought his considerable skills to bear in the role of Don Carlo in "Ernani" by Giuseppe Verdi. Domingo's voice was a perfect match for the complex, emotionally charged music of the opera, filling the Met with his rich, resonant tones. He delivered a performance that was masterful, passionate, and utterly captivating, leaving the audience breathless.

In addition to the incredible performances of the cast, the production itself was also a sight to behold. The set design was grand and opulent, transporting the audience to another time and place. The costumes were lavish and detailed, adding to the overall sense of spectacle that is so integral to the opera experience. Lighting and special effects were also used to great effect, enhancing the drama and emotion of the performances.

Overall, The Metropolitan Opera's 1977 production featuring Luciano Pavarotti, Joan Sutherland, and Placido Domingo was a true tour de force of opera. The incredible talent of the performers, combined with the stunning production values, made for an unforgettable experience that will stay with those who were lucky enough to see it for years to come.

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Seasons
The Tempest
27. The Tempest
November 11, 2012
Composer Thomas Adès conducts the Met premiere of his powerful opera based on Shakespeare's last play, in Robert Lepage's brilliantly inventive production. Simon Keenlyside is the magician Prospero, who conjures the storm that shipwrecks his enemies and sets in motion the course of events. Rising Met stars Isabel Leonard and Alek Shrader are the young lovers, Miranda and Ferdinand, Alan Oke sings the sinister Caliban, and Audrey Luna gives a memorable performance as the sprite Ariel.
The Enchanted Island
26. The Enchanted Island
January 22, 2012
A contemporary take on the 17th-century genre of the pastiche, this delightful Baroque fantasy brings together some of the greatest arias and ensembles by Handel, Vivaldi, Rameau, Purcell, and other composers with a new English libretto by Jeremy Sams, inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest and A Midsummer Night's Dream. The all-star cast is headed by David Daniels as Prospero, Joyce DiDonato as Sycorax, Danielle de Niese as Ariel, Luca Pisaroni as Caliban, and the legendary Pl'ácido Domingo as Neptune. Early music specialist William Christie conducts this dazzling world-premiere production, designed and directed by Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch.
La Cenerentola
25. La Cenerentola
May 10, 2009
If ever a composer was born to set the enchanting fairy tale of Cinderella to sparkling music it was Rossini. His much put upon heroine Angelina (ElÄ«na Garanča) has to cope not only with nasty stepsisters, but also an over-the-top, farcical father, Don Magnifico (Alessandro Corbelli). And in this version the Prince (Lawrence Brownlee) and his valet (Simone Alberghini) swap identities, which causes no end of delightful confusion. With Cesare Lievi's delightful storybook production and Maurizio Benini's expert conducting, it's all as light and delicious as a marvelous musical soufflé.
Simon Boccanegra
24. Simon Boccanegra
February 7, 2010
When this sumptuous production by Giancarlo del Monaco opened in 1995, legendary tenor Pl'ácido Domingo gave a riveting performance as the fiery revolutionary Gabriele Adorno, a tenor part. In the 2010 revival, he made history by taking on the baritone title role, one of Verdi's most fascinating characters, and thrilling audiences with his multifaceted and gripping portrayal. Boccanegra is beset on all sides, juggling political adversaries bent on murder with his love for his long-lost daughter Amelia (Adrianne Pieczonka). James Levine's conducting brings out all the color and surging emotion of Verdi's magnificent score.
Un Ballo in Maschera
23. Un Ballo in Maschera
December 9, 2012
David Alden's elegant 2012 production moves Verdi's thrilling drama to a timeless setting inspired by film noir. Marcelo Álvarez is Gustavo III, the Swedish king in love with Amelia (Sondra Radvanovsky), the wife of his best friend and counselor, Count Anckarström (Dmitri Hvorostovsky). When Anckarström joins a conspiracy to murder the king, tragedy ensues. Stephanie Blythe is the fortuneteller Madame Ulrica Arvidsson and Kathleen Kim sings the page Oscar. Met Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi is on the podium.
Rigoletto
22. Rigoletto
February 17, 2013
Michael Mayer's acclaimed production, first seen in the 2012-13 season, sets the action of Verdi's masterpiece in 1960 Las Vegas--a neon-lit world ruled by money and ruthless, powerful men. Piotr Beczala is the Duke, a popular entertainer and casino owner who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Željko Lučić sings Rigoletto, his sidekick and comedian, and Diana Damrau is Rigoletto's innocent daughter, Gilda. When she is seduced by the Duke, Rigoletto sets out on a tragic course of murderous revenge. Å tefan Koc'án is the assassin Sparafucile and Michele Mariotti conducts.
Le Comte Ory
21. Le Comte Ory
April 10, 2011
Rossini's rarely heard comedy receives a brilliant performance in Bartlett Sher's Met premiere production, with a trio of today's greatest bel canto stars in the leading roles: Juan Diego Flórez is Count Ory, a handsome rogue who finds women - all women - irresistible. Diana Damrau sings the virtuous Countess Adèle, and Joyce DiDonato is Isolier, the count's page, who is also in love with the countess. Jokes, misunderstandings, and gender-bending disguises-including knights dressed as nuns - abound in this hilarious tale of deception and seduction. Maurizio Benini conducts.
La Bohème
16. La Bohème
April 6, 2008
Puccini's evergreen paean to young love and the bohemian life has captivated generations of Met-goers through Franco Zeffirelli's iconic production. Movie theater audiences for the high-definition transmission of this staging got to see it with fresh eyes in a touching performance starring Angela Gheorghiu and Ramón Vargas as the frail seamstress and her poetic lover.
Götterdämmerung
14. Götterdämmerung
September 12, 2012
In the 2011-12 season, the Metropolitan Opera presented its first new production of Wagner's complete Ring cycle in more than 20 years. Directed by acclaimed theater artist Robert Lepage, this landmark staging combines state-of-the-art technology with traditional storytelling and features a cast of some the world's greatest Wagner singers. The Ring comes full circle with its cataclysmic finale, in which one woman's sacrifice redeems the world. Deborah Voigt as Brünnhilde stars opposite Jay Hunter Morris as Siegfried, and Fabio Luisi conducts. Original Live in HD transmission: February 11, 2012
Description
  • Premiere Date
    December 23, 1977
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (58)
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