Utica, N.Y. — Experience Ludwig von Beethoven’s opera “Fidelio” with The Met: Live in HD, the Metropolitan Opera’s award-winning series of live performance transmissions, at Munson at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15, in the Sinnott Family – Bank of Utica Auditorium in the Museum of Art. Tickets are $24 for Munson Members, $30 for the general public, and $15 for students and can be purchased by calling 315-797-0055, coming to the Munson welcome desk, or visiting munson.art/metlive.
“Fidelio’s” unusual structure, glorious score, and life-affirming aura make it a unique experience. It has been called a hymn to freedom and human dignity. Formally a singspiel (with musical numbers separated by spoken dialogue), “Fidelio” had a long and complex gestation. Its uplifting spirit made it the obvious choice for several important productions marking the end of World War II. The powerful and innovative use of the orchestra found throughout “Fidelio” is not surprising from Beethoven. Some of the score’s greatest surprises and pleasures derive from solo and ensemble vocal writing. Beethoven creates hierarchies among his characters, from the earthly to the exalted, which are instantly recognizable in their music.
“Experiencing Fidelio is a rare opportunity to hear Beethoven’s only opera—a masterpiece of profound musical and emotional power,” said Bob Mortis, Director of Performing Arts. “With its themes of freedom, justice, and human dignity, Fidelio resonates deeply across generations.”
Following a string of awe-inspiring Met performances, soprano Lise Davidsen stars as Leonore, who risks everything to save her husband from the clutches of tyranny. Tenor David Butt Philip is the political prisoner Florestan, sharing the stage with bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny as the villainous Don Pizarro, veteran bass René Pape as the jailer Rocco, and soprano Ying Fang and tenor Magnus Dietrich, in his company debut, as the young Marzelline and Jaquino. Bass Stephen Milling sings the principled Don Fernando, and Susanna Mälkki conducts the Met’s striking production, which finds modern-day parallels in Beethoven’s stirring paean to freedom.
The Met: Live in HD series continues at Munson with:
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“Le Nozze di Figaro,” W.A. Mozart: Saturday, April 26, 1 p.m.
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“Salome,” Richard Strauss: Saturday, May 17, 1 pm.
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“Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” Gioachino Rossini: Saturday, May 31, 1 p.m.
“The Met: Live in HD” at Munson is sponsored by Elizabeth R. Lemieux, Ph.D.
“The Met: Live in HD” series is made possible by a generous grant from its founding sponsor, Neubauer Family Foundation. Digital Support is provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies. “The Met: Live in HD” series is supported by Rolex.
For more information on each performance and to purchase tickets, visit munson.art/metlive.
Munson is at 310 Genesee St. in Utica. For more information, visit munson.art.
About Munson
Munson is an internationally recognized fine arts organization in Utica, serving diverse audiences through the renowned Munson Museum of Art, live performances and events, community arts classes, and Pratt Munson College of Art and Design, the upstate extension campus of the prestigious Pratt Institute.
