La Sonnambula – The Metropolitan Opera, New York
Opera tenor Rolando Villazón’s directorial debut at The Met hits the high notes with Bellini’s infrequently staged opera about a young woman who sleepwalks, in this co-production with the Royal Ballet and Opera that was delayed from the pandemic-struck 2020-21 season.
Photo: Marty Sohl
The orphan Amina (Nadine Sierra) is about to marry Elvino (Xabier Anduaga), a wealthy landowner. Lisa (Sydney Mancasola), the innkeeper, is jealous as she also loves Elvino. A visiting stranger, Count Rodolfo (Alexander Vinogradov), arrives in the village. That night, Amina is discovered outside asleep which is explained by her secret condition of somnambulism (sleepwalking) but she is wearing the Count’s coat. Elvino, consumed by jealousy, breaks off the engagement, believing Amina has been unfaithful...