On Friday November 16th, the Met Opera opens its second Mozart opera of the season La Clemenza di Tito.
The 1791 opera seria was the last one Mozart wrote but is rarely performed. The work tells the story of Sesto, Vitellia and Emperor Tito. Vitellia seeks revenge for Tito's indifference while Sesto is in search for Vitellia's love and attempts to kill Tito. The Emperor must in turn choose whether to pardon Tito and Vitellia or send them to execution.
This year the Met has aligned an all star cast that includes Elina Garanca, Giuseppe Filianoti, and Barbara Frittoli. Elina Garanca sings her first Sesto at the Met after giving child birth. Garanca last sang the role in Vienna to acclaim and while this may be her first Sesto at the Met, ironically enough it will be her last run of the role as she has decided to move to heavier repertoire.
Giuseppe Filianoti sings the title role of Tito. Filianoti is enjoying a major comeback in his career after suffering health setbacks. His last Les Contes d'Hoffmann at the Met was a huge success and the role of Tito should be as well.
Barbara Frittoli will sing her first Vitellia, adding to her Met Mozart repertoire. She last sang Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni in Michael Grandage's new production. Lucy Crowe will make her Met debut as Servillia and Kate Lindsey adds another pants role to her repertoire as Annio. Oren Gradus rounds out the cast singing Publio.
Harry Bicket who scored a triumph in last year's Rodelinda takes the podium. Jean Pierre Ponelle's legendary production returns to the Met for the first time since 2008. La Clemenza di Tito will be performed on November 16, 20, 24, December 1, 6, and 10th. The December 1 performance will be transmitted Live in HD throughout the world in Movie theaters.