The Metropolitan Opera series in high definition (HD) continues on July 9, with Gaetano Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater) at 2:00PM and 7:00PM.
Maria Stuarda tells about the tragedy that recounts the clash between Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart (Mary, Queen of Scots) and ends with the anguished Mary heading to the executioner’s block. The production stars American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato as Mary Stuart (Maria Stuarda), a part that has been sung by sopranos and mezzo-sopranos.
Directed by David McVicar, the Met’s premiere production takes a traditional approach, using vivid colors and stark imagery to lend a contemporary touch to the period sets and costumes by John Macfarlane.
Critics point to Joyce DiDonato’s performance in the title role of Mary, Queen of Scots, “as a model of singing in which all components of the art form — technique, sound, color, nuance, diction — come together in service to expression and eloquence,” and full of “plush richness and aching beauty.”
The New York Times describes Elza van den Heever as “a vocally burnished and emotionally tempestuous” Elizabeth, and “a luminous performance” by the Associated Press. Matthew Polenzani sings as Earl of Leicester and Maurizio Benini conducts.
The Met Opera in HD screenings are delivered, using the HD format and in Dolby digital surround sound. Special features are screened during the Intermission such as behind-the-scenes and interviews with the cast.
Ticket price is P500 with discounts for senior citizens, military personnel, persons with disabilities and students, as well as a subscription package of P2,000. For inquiries, call the CCP Box Office at (+632) 8323704 or visit the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.
