Ermani

Ernani HD Met Opera

I don’t usually write about the opera because it has already occurred. This opera was so spectacular and I am still thinking of the magnificent visual images. There will be an encore production on March 31, at 12:55 pm. Try and purchase your tickets now because many of the showings are completely sold out.
Go to www.cineplex.com/events for more information. This was one of the more amazing operas.
The music by Verdi is joyful and superb. The full chorus was full of strength and the magnificent sound filled the theatre. Each performer was amazing and the music was so rich. The costumes were wonderful. Even the set changes are something to see in the Met performances.
You are actually watching a Met performance by satellite at the same time as it is happening in New York. 30 countries around the world are now enjoying this experience.
During intermission one of the opera stars from the company will introduce you to some of the performers of the day. You see the costume designer or the producer of the production. You are able to witness the set changes. The magnitude of the set changes is mind boggling and absolutely fascinating.
In the production of Ernani, Angela Meade sings the role of Elvira. She won the audition contest for the Met just a few years ago. She is a new performer at the Met. This woman has a glorious career before her. She is an enormous woman and I was concerned that this might detract from her performance. The costumes were richly and beautifully designed to drape her and not distract. She has a beautiful face and her voice has to be heard to be believed. I could listen to her sing all day.
Dmitri Hvorostovsky is one of my favorite opera singers. He is so handsome and performs so well as Don Carlo. During intermission he brought his two young children on stage and they spoke a few words in Russian to greet Dimitri’s family back home.
The opera is a convoluted dramatic story like most operas. There is love and intrigue. It is amazing that the enormous cast can all fit on stage. For most of the performance the light is quite dim and the feeling is of a Flemish painting. It is so breathtaking to watch.
Manon will be performed on April 7
La Travaita can be seen on April 14.
The Met Operas HD are the best value in town. There are reserved seats. The finest performances are brought to you on the screen. I marvel at each one. Ernani was one of my favorites.