ADRIANA LECOUVREUR Will Be Broadcast From The Met at Rialto

Soprano Anna Netrebko takes on for the first time at the Met the title role of the 18th century actress Adriana Lecouvreur. A co-production of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, Gran Teatre del Liceu - Barcelona, Wiener Staatsoper, San Francisco Opera and L'Opéra National de Paris conducted by Gianandrea Noseda and directed by Sir David McVicar, who ingeniously sets the action in a working replica of a Baroque theatre.

The soprano (Anna Netrebko) is joined by tenor Piotr Becza?a as Adriana's lover, Maurizio. The principal cast also features mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili and baritone Ambrogio Maestri. Gianandrea Noseda conducts. Sir David McVicar's staging, which sets the action in a working replica of a Baroque theatre, premiered at the Royal Opera House in London, where the Guardian praised the "elegant production, sumptuously designed ... The spectacle guarantees a good night out."

The play celebrated its World Premiere in Teatro Lirico, Milan, 1902. Adriana Lecouvreur occupies a unique place in the repertory: largely dismissed by experts from its premiere to the present day yet cherished by its fans for the dramatic possibilities provided by the lead roles. The opera is a deft combination of frank emotionalism and flowing lyricism, with pseudo-historical spectacle. Based on a play by Eugène Scribe, the story was inspired by the real-life intrigues of famed actress Adrienne Lecouvreur and the legendary soldier-and lover-Maurice of Saxony. Cilea's operatic retelling quickly became a favourite of charismatic soloists. The title character in particular is a quintessential diva role.

Director Sir David McVicar explained when he was staging his production for the first time at London's Royal Opera in 2010:

"There is little point in doing Adriana Lecouvreur unless you have a grand diva because that's what it's about," he said. "It is absolutely about the act of performing."

"It's a stage within a stage, and we're never quite sure who is performing and who is telling the truth."

"an opera about opera, about the mad magic of the theatre and the women who star in it.

PRODUCTION: Sir David McVicar
SET DESIGNER: Charles Edwards
COSTUME DESIGNER: Brigitte Reiffenstuel
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Adam Silverman
CHOREOGRAPHER: Andrew George
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR: Justin Way
LIBRETTO: Arturo Colautti

Francesco Cilea (1866-1950) belonged to the generation of Italian composers that produced such greats as Puccini and Mascagni. Adriana Lecouvreur was his only big success with the public. Arturo Colautti (1851-1914), who transformed a play by French dramatist Eugène Scribe (1791-1861) into a libretto, was a poet, novelist, and creator of comedies.

Live broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera with Greek and English subtitles.
Duration: 213'

Rialto Theatre, Saturday 12 January @ 19.55
Information / Reservation: 77 77 77 45
Tickets: €18-14
E-ticket: www.rialto.com.cy

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