Brotherly love

In June of 2013, WAG featured rising tenor and Westchester resident Matthew Polenzani http://www.wagmag.com/songs-of-a-wayfarer/. So we’re delighted to see that he’s part of a new Metropolitan Opera production of Bizet’s “Les Pêcheurs de Perles” (“The Pearl Fishers”) that’s a hit with the critics.

Though this tale of brotherly love challenged by a love triangle is nowhere as well-known as the composer’s “Carmen,” its poignant “Au fond du temple saint” is probably the most famous male duet in opera. Conducted by Gianandrea Noseda and directed by Penny Woolcock, “The Pearl Fishers” stars soprano Diana Damrau as the Hindu priestess Leïla, with Polenzani as Nadir and Mariusz Kwiecien as Zurga, the titular fishermen who are friends and rivals for her heart.

Woolcock’s staging is a co-production with the English National Opera, where it premiered in 2010. It features set design by Dick Bird in his Met debut, costume design by Kevin Pollard, lighting design by Jen Schriever, projection design by 59 Productions, and movement direction by Andrew Dawson. The Jan. 16 matinee performance will be transmitted worldwide as part of the Met’s “Live in HD” series, which now reaches more than 2,000 movie theaters in 70 countries around the world.

The Jan. 27 and Feb. 4 performances will be conducted by Antony Walker, with Amanda Woodbury singing the role of Leïla on Feb. 4.

Tickets begin at $25. For prices, more information, or to place an order, call 212-362-6000 or visit metopera.org. Same-day $25 rush tickets for all performances of “The Pearl Fishers” are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Met’s website. Tickets will go on sale for performances weekdays at noon, matinees four hours before curtain and Saturday evenings at 2pm. – edited Georgette Gouveia

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