La Sonnambula – The Metropolitan Opera (12A)

Following triumphant Met turns in Roméo et Juliette, La Traviata, and Lucia di Lammermoor, Nadine Sierra summits another peak of the soprano repertoire as Amina, who sleepwalks her way into audiences’ hearts in Bellini’s poignant tale of love lost and found.

In his new production, Rolando Villazón – the tenor who has embarked on a brilliant second career as a director – retains the opera’s original setting in the Swiss Alps but uses its somnambulant plot to explore the emotional and psychological valleys of the mind.

Tenor Xabier Anduaga returns after his acclaimed 2023 Met debut in L’Elisir d’Amore, co-starring as Amina’s fiancé Elvino, alongside soprano Sydney Mancasola as her rival, Lisa, and bass Alexander Vinogradov as Count Rodolfo. Riccardo Frizza takes the podium for one of opera’s most ravishing works.

This operatic gem from one of the great masters of melody is a benchmark of extraordinary vocalism. The title role of the sleepwalking girl was composed for the greatest diva of the day, Giuditta Pasta (for whom Bellini also wrote the tragic role of Norma). The part requires a rare combination of innocence, charm, and breathtaking vocal virtuosity. Deeper than a comedy, but in no way a tragedy, La Sonnambula reaches its conclusion through genuine, poignant character development, rather than by intrigue or farce.

Sung in Italian Language with English Subtitles

Cast: 

Amina NADINE SIERRA

Lisa SYDNEY MANCASOLA

Elvino XABIER ANDUAGA

Rodolfo ALEXANDER VINOGRADOV

Creatives:

Music VINCENZO BELLINI

Conductor RICCARDO FRIZZA

Director ROLANDO VILLAZÓN

Set Designer JOHANNES LEIACKER

Costumer Designer BRIGITTE REIFFENSTUEL

Lighting Designer DONALD HOLDER

Projection Designer RENAUD RUBIANO

Choreographer LEAH HAUSMAN

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