On Feb. 22, The Metropolitan Opera will revive Nicolas Hytner's production of Verdi's Don Carlo.
The opera is based on the Friedrich Schiller play of the same name and tells the story of Carlo who struggles after his father King Phillip of Spain gets married to Carlo's betrothed Elizabeth.
The opera was commissioned for the Theatre Imperial de l'Opera and first premiered at the companies Salle Le Peletier. "Don Carlo" was originally written in French but the Met's revival will be performed in Italian.
Ramon Vargas will sing the lead role of Don Carlo for the first time at the Met. He previously performed the role in Vienna and in Paris. The Mexican singer known for his Golden Tone made his Met debut in 1992 in the role of Edgardo in "Lucia di Lammermoor." He last sang the role of Don Ottavio in "Don Giovanni" which was transmitted live in HD.
Ferruccio Furlanetto returns to the Met to his signature role King Phillip. The Italian bass made his Met debut as the Grand Inquisitor in Don Carlo. Furlanetto last performed Silva in "Ernani" and Don Basilio in "Il Barbiere di Siviglia."
Barbara Frittoli sings her first Met Elisabetta after a triumphant turn as Vitellia in "La Clemenza di Tito" this past fall. Mezzo Soprano Anna Smirnova returns to her acclaimed interpretation of Eboli with which she made her Met debut in 2010.
Russian Baritone Dimitri Hvorostovsky brings his silky voice to the role of Posa which he last sang in 2005. Earlier this season he returned to the role of Renato in "Un Ballo in Maschera." Rounding out the cast, Eric Halfvarson sings the role of the Grand Inquisitor.
Legendary conductor Lorin Maazel returns to the Met podium. The maestro made his Met debut in 1962 and last conducted "Die Walkure" in 2008.
Hytner's production will be showcased for 7 performances on February 25, 28, March 6, 9, 13, and 16.