The Ridgefield Playhouse to Show Encore Performance of the Met Opera's Production of Rossini's SEMIRAMIDE

Travel back to ancient Babylon when Assur, a prince descend­ed from Baal, brings offerings to the temple in hopes that Queen Semiramide will choose him as successor to her late husband. But, with a flash of lightning, the sacred altar flame goes out... Rossini's Semiramide is masterpiece of dazzling vocal fireworks and makes a rare Met Opera appearance-its first in nearly 25 years-with Maurizio Benini on the podium. This production features an all-star Bel Canto cast: Angela Meade in the title role of the murderous Queen who squares off in breathtaking duets with Arsace, a trouser role sung by Elizabeth DeShong. Javier Camarena, Ildar Abdrazakov, and Ryan Speedo Green complete the stellar cast. Your chance to see it in HD on the big screen at The Ridgefield Playhouse is Sunday, March 11th at 12pm, part of Benchmark Senior Living at Ridgefield Crossings Live in HD & Classical Series with support from The Ridgefield Press & Whistle Stop Bakery.

Angela Meade, recipient of the 2011-12 Beverly Sills Award performs the title role of Semiramide, in this supernatural story of desire, power and consequence. Mexican tenor Javier Camarena is the preeminent Mozart and Bel Canto specialist of his generation. Praised for his burnished tone, gleaming high notes, flawless coloratura, and veracious portrayals, he regularly appears in leading roles alongside today's foremost stars at the world's top opera houses. Ildar Abdrazakov is one of opera's most sought after basses. Since making his La Scala debut in 2001 at 25, the Russian singer has become a mainstay at leading houses worldwide, including New York's Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera, and Munich's Bavarian State Opera. Praised by Anthony Tommasini of the New York Times for his "robust voice" and Anne Midgette of the Washington Post as an artist "fully ready for a big career," Bass-Baritone Ryan Speedo Green is quickly establishing himself as an artist of international demand at the world's leading opera houses. Mezzo Soprano, Elizabeth DeShong has been praised by The Guardian as "a contralto opulence with blazing top notes and some of the most staggering coloratura you will ever hear." Don't miss your chance to see these amazing artists in a rarely performed opera you are sure to enjoy!

The Metropolitan Opera is a vibrant home for the most creative and talented singers, conductors, composers, musicians, stage directors, designers, visual artists, choreographers, and dancers from around the world. The Ridgefield Playhouse offers free tickets to The Met Opera in HD series to students 18 and younger as a way for parents to introduce their children to the arts. FREE tickets are also available to students 18 and younger for Benchmark Senior Living at Ridgefield Crossings Live in HD screenings of The Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre of London.

For tickets ($25) | Members & Seniors ($20) | Students ($15) Ridgefield Library card holders receive member prices for this show. AAA members receive a 20% discount! FREE tickets for students 18 & under! Must show ID at the box office. Call or visit the box office, 203-438-5795 or go online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org.