The Metropolitan Opera has announced its HD broadcast schedule for next season.  I think it’s a bit more interesting than the last couple of years and may even tempt me to go to a couple of shows.  So here’s the line up:

Puccini – Turandot – October 12th 2019

This is the old Zeffirelli extravaganza that has already aired at least once before.  The main attraction is Christine Goerke in the title role.

Massenet – Manon – October 26th 2019

This is a revival of the Laurent Pelly production.  The cast includes Lisette Oropesa in the title role, Michael Fabiano as des Grieux and, at long last, Brett Polegato in his Met debut as de Brétigny.  Maurizio Benini conducts.

Puccini – Madama Butterfly – November 9th 2019

This is the very beautiful Minghella production seen umpty ump times at the cinema, on DVD etc.  One has to ask though whether “very beautiful” is enough with this misogynist work in the current climate.  Anyhow, if you must, the cast includes Hui He as Cio-Cio-San, Elizabeth DeShong as Suzuk), Andrea Carè as Pinkerton and (groan) Plácido Domingo as Sharpless.

Glass – Akhnaten – November 23rd 2019

The first new show of the season.  Phelim McDermott’s production won the 2017 Olivier for best opera production in its ENO debut.  Karen Kamensekin makes her Met debut conducting. Anthony Roth Costanzo sings the title role.

Berg – Wozzeck – January 11th 2020

Finally, one to get excited about.  Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts William Kentridge’s new production.  This one is a COC co-pro but apparently it’s expensive to mount so let’s hope it doesn’t go the same way as Lulu. The cast includes Peter Mattei as Wozzeck, Elza van den Heever as Marieand Christopher Ventris as The Drum-Major.

Gershwin – Porgy and Bess – February 1st 2020

The big attractions here are Angel Blue and Eric Owens in the title roles.  However, it’s a new production by James Robinson in his house debut.  He’s the guy who directed the COC’s ill conceived Elisir d’amore.  David Robertson conducts.  You pays your money and takes your chance I guess.

Handel – Agrippina – February 29th 2020

David McVicar directs a new production with, whisper it not in Gath, a concept.  So maybe it will be more than trad with big axes.  The idea is it’s set in the modern day in a universe where the Roman Empire never fell.  Sort of “at the court of Confingus Mentiens” perhaps.  Harry Bicket conducts with Joyce DiDonato as Agrippina and Brenda Rae as Poppea.

Wagner – Der Fliegende Holländer – March 14th 2020

The combination of François Girard as director and everybody’s favourite Welshman; Bryn T. Jones, in the title role looks fairly unbeatable.  Throwing in Franz-Josef Siegel as Daland, Anje Sempa as Senta and Valery Gergiev on the podium doesn’t hinder either.

Puccini – Tosca – April 11th 2020

It’s a revival of the David McVicar, give or take a blowjob.  The draw is Netrebko in the title role but meh!

Donizetti – Maria Stuarda – May 9th 2020

More McVicar.  Definitely in big axe mode this time.  This has been seen before at the cinema and is available on disk.  Only worth it, I think, if the pairing of Diana Damrau and Jamie Barton particularly appeals.

All shows at 12:55pm.