Gershwin: Porgy and Bess - Encore

The Met's new production.

Returning to the New York Metropolitan Opera after an absence of nearly 30 years is a piece that, in many ways, is a unique one in the more than 400 years of opera history. Extreme poverty, drugs, crime, violence -Gershwin achieved the impossible by bringing dignity to all of these horrors with so many songs that became classics through their irresistible melodies, penetrating rhythms and, of course, the immortal plot by DuBose Heyward, poetically snatchin...g tragedy up from the ground like his visions of the spirituals that served as his source bringing solace to the soul. James Robinson's brilliant staging intimately depicts the everyday joys and heartaches of Charleston's African-American community. As a Guardian critic wrote of the production's 2018 London première, 'If you're going to stage Gershwin's opera, this is how to do it.'
The all-star cast's principal male role will be performed by Eric Owens, who was practically born to play this part. His partner on the stage will be Angel Blue, whose superb acting skills and voice - a blend of opera and blues styles - make her a perfect embodiment of Bess. Performing the timeless song Summertime in the role of Clara will be the fantastic South African soprano Golda Schultz, who made her début at the Met only a few years ago. The role of Sportin' Life will be played by a genuine 'bad boy': the incredibly talented Frederick Ballentine. Conducting the performance will be David Robertson, an American maestro who holds important music director positions in America, Australia and Europe.

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