Vincenzo Bellini's La Sonnambula opens October 6 at the Metropolitan Opera, in a new production by tenor Rolando Villazón, making his house directorial debut. Get a first look at the new production in the gallery below.
Soprano Nadine Sierra stars as Amina, the titular somnambulist (that is, sleepwalker) whose nocturnal misadventures cause a misunderstanding which jeopardizes her impending marriage to Elvino, played by tenor Xabier Anduaga. The cast also features soprano Sydney Mancasola as Amina's rival Lisa, and bass Alexander Vinogradov as the mysterious Count Rodolfo. The opera semiseria, blending comic and serious elements, reflects a Romantic-era fascination with altered states of consciousness.
Xabier Anduaga and Nadine Sierra in La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
Xabier Anduaga and Nadine Sierra in La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
Nadine Sierra, Sydney Mancasola, and Xabier Anduaga in La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
A scene from La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
Xabier Anduaga and Nadine Sierra in La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
Nadine Sierra in La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
Nadine Sierra in La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
Nadine Sierra in La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
Nadine Sierra in La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
A scene from La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
Nadine Sierra in La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
Nadine Sierra and Niara Hardister in La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
Nadine Sierra, Alexander Vinogradov, and Sydney Mancasola in La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
A scene from La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
Nicholas Newton and Sydney Mancasola in La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
Alexander Vinogradov in La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
Sydney Mancasola in La Sonnambula at the Metropolitan Opera
The complete cast also includes mezzo-soprano Deborah Nansteel as Amina's mother Teresa, tenor Scott Scully as the Notary, and bass-baritone Nicholas Newton making his Met debut as Alessio. Solo dancer Niara Hardister portrays a "spectral double" of Amina. Riccardo Frizza conducts Bellini's score, famed for its long, flowing melodies.
The production also features set design by Johannes Leiacker, costumes by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting by Donald Holder, projections by Renaud Rubiano, and choreography by Leah Hausman.
La Sonnambula runs through November 1. For more information, visit MetOpera.org.
