On Jan 9, Russian Soprano Anna Netrebko returns to the Metropolitan Opera to reprise her role as Adina in Donizetti's "L'Elisir D'Amore."
Netrebko, who opened the Met's season earlier this year with Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin," brings back her comic timing in Bartlett Sher's production. The soprano premiered that production last year and scored mixed reviews. Latinos Post wrote, "It was an unimpressive night from someone who is always at her best." Meanwhile, the New York Daily News wrote, "Netrebko brings gutsy confidence to her acting and vocals."
In the lead role Ramon Vargas also returns to his acclaimed interpretation as Nemorino. The tenor, known for his golden voice, last sang the role in 2006 in John Copley's previous production. The New York Times hailed his interpretation of the role and wrote, "he gave a clarion account of the role and delivered the goods in the surefire aria "Una furtiva lagrima," which he sang with ardent lyricism and affecting poignancy."
The cast is rounded out by Italian bass-baritone Nicola Alaimo singing Belcore. Alaimo recently sang the role of "Falstaff" in Verdi's opera of the same name. Erwin Schrott will reprise his role as Dulcamara, a character he has performed all over the world to acclaim.
Bel-canto specialist Maurizio Benini will return to the podium to conduct the Metropolitan Opera orchestra and Chorus.
Netrebko recently performed Verdi's "Il Trovatore" at the Mariinsky Theater and will next be seen at the Royal Opera House for her role debut in Gounod's "Faust."
"L'Elisir D'Amore" will also be performed on Jan 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, and Feb. 1.