Saint-Saëns: Samson et Dalila

The Met's new production

This new production of Saint-Saëns's lovely adaptation of an Old Testament story, will once again feature performances from Elīna Garanča and Roberto Alagna, two world-class stars who eight years ago enchanted audiences in another emotional French opera, Bizet's Carmen. According to the Italian tenor, it is not only the power, but also the elegance of the voice that is important when singing the role of Samson. On his cooperation with Garanča, he says, ...'We are very close on the stage, we are able to put aside all our differences and appear as a true couple.' Elīna Garanča, who plays the Philistine priestess, has said in an interview that in addition to demonstrating the weakness of Dalila, she also wants to express what it is like to fall in love with a hero. The High Priest of Dagon is brought to life by one of France's greatest native artists of the opera repertoire, Laurent Naouri. The satrap Abimélech will be performed by the renowned Bolshoi Theatre baritone Elchin Azizov, while the Russian Dmitry Belosselskiy will play the Old Hebrew.
The piece, featuring dazzling scenery and exciting stage performances, is directed by the Tony Award-winning Darko Tresnjak, who returns to the Met after 20 years. The opera, written by the French composer in 1876, will be conducted by British conductor Sir Mark Elder, who has been at the helm of the Hallé Orchestra, formerly led by John Barbirolli, for nearly two decades.

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