Saturday, September 6, 7:30 pm, Orcas Center
— from Artha Kass —
Soprano Anna Netrebko teams up with tenor Roberto Alagna in Charles Gounod’s sensual interpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless love story, Romeo et Juliette, streaming to Orcas Center’s big screen with surround sound, as part of the Met: Live in HD Summer Encore series on Saturday, September 6 at 7:30 pm.
Originally premiered in 1867, Gounod’s opera was a triumph in its time, and is still praised today for its remarkable musical take on Shakespeare. Placido Domingo presides on the conductor’s podium for this tour-de-force presentation.
Gounod ultra-sensual score of Shakespeare’s play is an ideal vehicle for star soprano Anna Netebko and the remarkable tenor Robert Alagna, both of whom bring their incandescent appeal to the title roles. The irresistible Nathan Gunn (The Magic Flute) is Mercutio and the delightful Isabel Leonard in her Met debut as Stephano.
“Ms. Netrebko produced a luscious sound that you wanted to bathe in forever.” –New York Times
“The charismatic leads sing their hearts out, but it is their believability as two passionate young lovers that turns this series of lovely duets into great opera.” –Bachtrack
“Netrbko was in perfect form, dramatically and lyrically. Her accents, her control, and her dynamic were everything the audience could ask for. She nailed it, and left nothing desired. Her luxuriant voice was like a huge embrace, streaming through the hall and stunning the audience.” –Opera Chic
Tickets for this Met: Live in HD Summer Encore presentation of Roméo et Juilette are $18, $13 for students, $2 off for Orcas Center members, and may be purchased at www.orcascenter.org or by calling 376-2281 ext. 1 or visiting the Orcas Center Box Office open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon – 4 pm. For more information about Orcas Center 2014 season events, please visit www.orcascenter.org.
