Looking Back: 12 Years of The MET: Live in HD in Hong Kong
Foundation for the Arts and Music in Asia (FAMA) is delighted to bring the acclaimed high-definition screenings of opera performances – The MET: Live in HD series – from one of the world’s leading opera houses, The Metropolitan Opera of New York (MET) to Hong Kong. This encore season, Looking Back: 12 Years of The MET: Live in HD in Hong Kong, comprises audience favourites from previous seasons of The MET: Live in HD in Hong Kong, including eleven operatic encores featuring stellar productions and the world's leading artists. Hong Kong audiences will be able to revisit selected presentations at the cinema screens. Brand new special features initiated in 2020 will also be introduced to Hong Kong audiences for the first time. The series will be shown at Emperor Cinemas (Entertainment Building), MOViE MOViE Pacific Place, Premiere Elements, Festival Grand Cinema, MCL Cyberport, and K11 Art House.
Looking Back: 12 Years of The MET: Live in HD in Hong Kong Titles
Met Stars Live in Concert: Renee Fleming & Jonas Kaufmann
For this year, The MET introduces a special feature to worldwide audiences – “Met Stars Live in Concert” series. The MET’s General Manager Peter Gelb explained that “This new initiative is intended to create live performance opportunities for our artists and our audiences at a time when they both sorely need it.” Freshly recorded in 2020, these live concerts featured some of the biggest operatic stars singing from picturesque locations, directed and recorded by Gary Halvorson, the Met’s award-winning director of the company’s Live in HD cinema transmissions.
In “Met Stars Live in Concert: Renée Fleming & Jonas Kaufmann”, two operatic superstars will feature in a back-to-back recital from the series. Soprano Renée Fleming performs an intimate concert from the historic Dumbarton Oaks estate in Washington, D. C., and tenor Jonas Kaufmann performs popular tenor arias from Bavaria’s Polling Abbey. The brand-new series has been warmly welcomed by the public. Operawire described it as “A solid success”, while Seen and Heard called it “A lovely, heartfelt musical escape”. Operawire claimed Fleming “shone like the star”, and The New York Times described her performance as “splendid… and elegant.” Kaufmann’s performance is equally well received. Opera News said “Kaufmann was in exhilarating form”, while NPR described his voice as “spectacular”.
Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor
In this Mary Zimmerman production of Lucia di Lammermoor, beloved French coloratura soprano Natalie Dessay reprises one of her signature roles as Lucia, the young lady who has descended into madness as she is forced into a political marriage, separated from her lover. Joseph Calleja sings the role of Lucia’s lover Edgardo, with Ludovic Tézier as Lucia’s manipulative brother Enrico. Patrick Summers conducts. Natalie Dessay’s interpretation of the opera’s famous “mad scene” has been highly acclaimed by critics such as Bachtrack, who described her performance as “excellent… superb.”
Lehár’s The Merry Widow
Tony Award winning director Susan Stroman directs and choreographs this glittering production of Lehar’s operetta The Merry Widow, translated into an English version. World famous soprano Renée Fleming sings the role of Hanna, the widow of the title. Nathan Gunn is Danilo, Hanna’s former lover, who is now tasked to court and marry her in order to keep her fortune in their home country. Operatically trained Tony award winner Kelli O’Hara appears on the MET stage for the first time, singing the role of Valencienne, the young wife of the Pontevedrian ambassador, who is sung by Thomas Allen. Sir Andrew Davis conducts. This joyful production was well received by the public when it was first shown. The New York Times praised the cast as “impressive”, while The Classical Review described this production as “A joy to watch”.
Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux
Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky sings the role of Queen Elizabeth I in this final installment of Donizetti’s Tudor Queens Trilogy. Radvanovsky’s portrayal of Elizabeth I as the ruler of England, conflicted by her own personal feelings, has been applauded by critics and audiences alike. The Financial Times wrote that “On every level — visual, vocal and histrionic — Radvanovsky rose to the occasion.”; while The Huffington Post claimed Radvaonvsky’s performances a “triumph”. Matthew Polenzani sings the title role, the Queen’s lover who is to be prosecuted, Elīna Garanča and Mariusz Kwiecień as Sara and the Duke of Nottingham, completing the quartet. Sir David McVicar directs this production, and Maurizio Benini conducts.
Rossini’s La Cenerentola
Rossini’s take on the classical Cinderella story featuring the famous Joyce DiDonato as Angelina (known as Cinderella) and tenor Juan Diego Flórez as her prince Ramiro. Alessandro Corbelli sings the role of Cinderella’s stepfather Don Magnifico, and Luca Pisaroni is the philosopher, who takes the place of the fairy godmother in Rossini’s version of the fairytale. Fabio Luisi conducts this whimsical production by Cesare Lievi. The brilliant cast have received high praise from the critics. The New York Observer described the performance as “delectable”, while The New York Times praised DiDonato’s performance as “extraordinary and marvellous”.
Massenet’s Werther
Massenet’s Werther, based on Goethe’s novel, has always been one of the favourite works within the French repertoire. Operatic super star Jonas Kaufmann sings the title role, the tormented poet who could not let go of his love for Charlotte, the Magistrate’s daughter (sung by Sophie Koch). Alain Altinoglu conducts, and Sir Richard Eyre directs this sublime production. Kaufmann’s passionate portrayal of Werther has quickly become a sensation among operatic audiences. WQXR described Werther has been Kaufmann’s “latest (and) greatest triumph”, while Musical America praised his interpretation as “remarkable”.
Gounod’s Faust
Gounod’s adaptation of the classic German legend and Goethe’s play is brought to the MET stage by Tony Award winning director Des McAnuff, who places the story in a 20th century setting. Jonas Kaufmann sings the title role, the scientist who signs a pact with the devil in exchange for youth, Marina Poplavskaya is the beautiful and innocent Marguerite, and René Pape is the devil himself, Méphistophélès. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts. Kaufmann’s interpretation of Faust has garnered much acclaim. The New York Times described him as “a handsome, vocally splendid Faust”, while Bachtrack praised his performance as “wonderfully nuanced”.
Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier
The dream cast of Renée Fleming and Elīna Garanča star together in Strauss’s grandest opera. Fleming reprises one of her signature roles as The Marschallin, who is aware that the passage of time will take her lover away. Garanča sings the role of Octavian, The Marschallin’s young lover, as well as the title “Knight of the Rose”. Erin Morley sings the role of Sophie, the young heiress, and Günther Groissböck is the impertinent Baron Ochs. Robert Carsen directs this elegant and sumptuous production, setting the story in the year of its writing, 1911. Sebastian Weigle conducts. This performance has served as a landmark for both Fleming’s and Garanča’s careers: Fleming retired from the operatic stage with this performance, while Garanča bid goodbye to trouser roles. The sizzling chemistry between Fleming and Garanča has been highly praised by critics. The Financial Times described the performance as “glamourous”, while The Huffington Post claimed it to be “a Rosenkavalier not to be missed.”
Massenet’s Manon
Laurent Pelly’s luxurious production of Manon returns to the MET stage, featuring the 2019 Richard Tucker and Beverly Sills Awards winner Lisette Oropesa singing the title role, the young girl who is so obsessed with money that it leads to her tragic demise. Michael Fabiano sings the role of Chevalier des Grieux, who will do anything for Manon. Maurizio Benini conducts Massenet’s sensual score. Oropesa’s superb performance has charmed audiences and critics alike. The New York Times claimed she “persuasively inhabits the role”, while Operawire claims “Lisette Oropesa & Michael Fabiano shine” in this production.
Philip Glass’s Akhnaten
Philip Glass’s Akhnaten returns in our encore series. The last installment from Glass’s Portrait Trilogy, Akhnaten looks into the life of the revolutionary ruler who attempted to introduce monotheism into Ancient Egyptian religion. Phelim McDermott directs this production which is complete with Gandini jugglers, creating a visually memorizing experience to audiences. Anthony Roth Costanzo sings the title role, with J'Nai Bridges as Nefertiti, Dísella Lárusdóttir as Queen Tye, and Zachary James in the speaking role of Amenhotep I. Karen Kamensek conducts. The production has quickly become one of the most popular productions in the 2019 – 2020 season. Operawire named it “The Best Met Production of the Year”, while The New York Times described it as “spellbinding”.
The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess
In 2019 – 2020 season, American’s favourite opera Porgy and Bess has returned to the MET stage for the first time in 30 years with sold out shows. Incorporating jazz, folk and gospel elements, this “folk opera” has been beloved by Americans, which includes many melodies that have become classic jazz standards. Eric Owens and Angel Blue star in the title roles, leading a superb ensemble cast, including Latonia Moore as Serena, Denyce Graves as Maria, Alfred Walker as Crown, Frederick Balleintine as Sportin’ Life, Golda Schultz as Clara, and Donovan Singletary as Jake. James Robinson directs a stylish production, with Camille A. Brown choreographs. This production has been an instant success in last season. The New York Times described it as “splendid”, while Operawire praised the cast as “fantastic”.
Handel’s Agrippina
Handel’s Agrippina premiered at the MET in the 2019 – 2020 season, for the first time in 300 years since it was first composed. Director Sir David McVicar takes this satirical black comedy into the present-day, quite brilliantly. This timeless story about power and politics works perfectly with the updated setting. Beloved mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato sings the title role, the ruthless empress who will do everything to bring her son Nerone (sung by Kate Lindsey) the throne. Brenda Rae sings the role of the seductive Poppea, Iestyn Davis and Matthew Rose complete the cast. This brand new production has been well received by the public. The New York Times described it as “A devilish delight”, while Wall Street Journal claimed “Joyce DiDonato embodied Agrippina with ferocity and pinpoint accuracy.”
Programme Timetable:
Met Stars Live in Concert: Renee Fleming & Jonas Kaufmann New Special Feature, First Appearance in Hong Kong
March 6, 5:10pm, MOViE MOViE Pacific Place
March 21, 5:10pm, Emperor Cinemas (Entertainment Building)
April 4, 5:10pm, Premiere Elements
May 23, 3:00pm, Festival Grand Cinema
Lucia di Lammermoor
March 7, 3:40pm, Emperor Cinemas (Entertainment Building)
April 10, 3:35pm, Premiere Elements
April 18, 3:35pm, MOViE MOViE Pacific Place
May 29, 3:00pm, MCL Cyberport
The Merry Widow*
February 28, 4:00pm, Emperor Cinemas (Entertainment Building)
March 20, 3:00pm, Festival Grand Cinema
March 27, 3:50pm, Premiere Elements
March 28, 3:50pm, MOViE MOViE Pacific Place
Roberto Devereux
March 14, 4:00pm, Emperor Cinemas (Entertainment Building)
April 24, 3:50pm, Premiere Elements
April 25, 3:00pm, K11 Art House
La Cenerentola*
April 11, 3:30pm, Emperor Cinemas (Entertainment Building)
May 15, 3:00pm, Festival Grand Cinema
May 22, 3:35pm, Premiere Elements
June 12, 3:35pm, MOViE MOViE Pacific Place
September 11, 3:00pm, MCL Cyberport
Werther
May 2, 4:00pm, Emperor Cinemas (Entertainment Building)
June 19, 3:00pm, Festival Grand Cinema
June 20, 3:35pm, Premiere Elements
August 21, 3:35pm, MOViE MOViE Pacific Place
Faust
June 6, 3:15pm, Emperor Cinemas (Entertainment Building)
July 17, 3:00pm, K11 Art House
July 24, 3;15pm, Premiere Elements
Der Rosenkavalier
July 4, 3:30pm, Emperor Cinemas (Entertainment Building)
August 14, 3:00pm, Festival Grand Cinema
August 28, 2:20pm, Premiere Elements
Manon
August 1, 3:05pm, Emperor Cinemas (Entertainment Building)
September 18, 3:00pm, Festival Grand Cinema
September 26, 3:10pm, Premiere Elements
October 16, 3:10pm, MOViE MOViE Pacific Place
Akhnaten
September 5, 3:25pm, Emperor Cinemas (Entertainment Building)
October 23, 3:20pm, Premiere Elements
November 6, 3:00pm, K11 Art House
December 4, 3:20pm, MOViE MOViE Pacific Place
Porgy and Bess*
October 10, 3:30pm, Emperor Cinemas (Entertainment Building)
November 20, 3:00pm, Festival Grand Cinema
November 28, 3:35pm, Premiere Elements
Agrippina
November 7, 3:15pm, Emperor Cinemas (Entertainment Building)
December 11, 3:15pm, Premiere Elements
December 12, 3:00pm, K11 Art House
* with English and Chinese subtitles
History of The Met: Live in HD
The Met's dynamic General Manager Gelb created the media sensation in 2006 with the idea of filming its most dazzling productions through 14 different cameras in high definition format to be transmitted to cinema across the US to reach the masses that could not come to New York.
The acclaimed performance are now being aired by the Met for a seventh season in over 1,900 venues encompassing 60 countries. To accommodate audience demand this season, dozens more cinemas have been added in Germany, Mexico, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Screening are typically broadcast in real time within the US by satellite from the Met's home in New York. 14 cameras simultaneously shoot the performance and change angles to record every detail, providing a spectator with an unrivalled view as if on stage.
The performances are a thrilling comparison to the Met's auditorium -high definition screenings are bigger and sharper than real life, with tickets at a price of HK$250 or below compared to a top house price of US$460 in New York.
The Hong Kong screenings are delayed, but the impact of a live performance remains the same. Vanity Fair megazine called the Live in HD screenings “the new craze” as they are delighting opera fans worldwide, while Oprah Winfrey's O megazine said they were “the closest thing to a front row seat!”
The Met is renowned for employing the world's finest singers and most lavish production specialists.