Verdi 's masterpiece Il Trovatore returns to the Metropolitan Opera on Saturday September 29 in David McVicar's powerful production.
The opera is based on the Antonio Garcia Guitierrez play and tells the complex story of betrayal, love, and vengeance between the main characters Manrico, Azucena, Count di Luna and Leonora. The opera is known for its endless melodic invention and fast pacing. Among the major musical highlights is the popular "Anvil Chorus" that starts Act 2, Manrico's famous Aria and Cabaletta at the end of Act 3, an extensive scene between Leonora and Conte Di Luna to start Act 4, and a duet between Azucena and Manrico in the final scene. To simply list a few samples does not due justice to the musical gems that comprise Il Trovatore. For melodic purity, Il Trovatore is among the finest works in the repertoire.
Italian sensation Carmen Giannattasio was supposed to make her Met debut on Saturday but she cancelled and replacing her will be recent Operalia winner Guaqun Yu who will also make her Met debut.
Joining her is Gwyn Hughes Jones in the title role of Manrico. Jones returns to the Met after a 7-year absence. Since his last appearance with the company, Jones has built a successful career worldwide becoming one of the most acclaimed Manricos in recent years. Dolora Zajick returns to her signature role of Azucena the scorned Gypsy. Franco Vassallo makes his Met role debut as the Count.
If Giannattasio sings, she will be scheduled for performances on October 4, 8 and 12 with this cast.
Yu will sing with the same cast on October 20 and 25.
In January Patricia Racette and Angela Meade will alternate the role of Leonora. Racette comes off a recent success in the role and Meade will sing her first staged Leonora.
Acclaimed Mezzo Soprano Stephanie Blythe sings her first Azucena at the Met. Marco Berti will take over the title role of Manrico and Russian rising star Baritone Alexey Markov brings his suave voice to the Count. Danielle Callegari continues at the podium. The January performances of Il Trovatore will run on the 9, 12, 16, 19 and 24, 2013.
Latinospost's Davd Salazar will be attending the October 17 performance so expect a review around that date.
For more information on Il Trovatore, go to the Met's website.