Experience Il Trovatore in New York at the Metropolitan Opera
Giuseppe Verdi’s Il Trovatore returns to the Metropolitan Opera for a spectacular series of performances this season. This riveting tale of passion, vengeance, and familial strife captivates audiences with its haunting melodies and powerful performances. Under the brilliant direction of David McVicar and conducted by Daniele Callegari, Il Trovatore will transport you to 19th-century Spain, where two brothers unknowingly battle for love and honor.
Sung in Italian with Met Titles in English, German, Spanish, and Italian, Il Trovatore is a timeless masterpiece of operatic drama. Don’t miss this stunning production—get your tickets for Il Trovatore in NYC and witness an unforgettable evening of Verdi’s unmatched musical artistry.
Performances begin on October 26, 2024, at the Metropolitan Opera House, with additional dates running through December 6, 2024.
Book your tickets here now!
Plot Summary
Act I: The Duel
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Spain during the Peninsular War, Il Trovatore opens with Count di Luna’s unrelenting obsession with Leonora, a noblewoman who is secretly in love with the mysterious troubadour Manrico. The act sets the tone of vengeance and betrayal as Ferrando, the captain of the guard, shares a haunting tale: years earlier, a gypsy woman cursed the count’s younger brother, leading to her execution by fire. In a bid for revenge, her daughter, Azucena, abducted the count’s younger sibling and allegedly cast him into the flames. This unresolved tragedy fuels Di Luna’s burning quest for justice, unaware that the very man he is hunting—Manrico—holds a deeply entwined connection to his past.
Act II: The Gypsy
In this act, the focus shifts to Manrico, who is recovering from battle under the care of Azucena, whom he believes to be his mother. Azucena’s haunting past re-emerges as she recounts her act of revenge against Di Luna’s family, mistakenly killing her child instead of the young count. Torn by doubt about his true origins, Manrico wrestles with this revelation but remains committed to saving Leonora, who seeks refuge in a convent. In a heroic rescue, Manrico’s forces prevent Di Luna from seizing Leonora, reaffirming their love in the face of imminent danger.
Act III: The Gypsy’s Son
As the drama heightens, Di Luna’s army lays siege to the fortress where Manrico and Leonora are hiding. Meanwhile, Azucena, wandering near the battlefield, is captured by Di Luna’s soldiers. Recognizing her as the gypsy who cursed his family, Di Luna commands her execution by fire, setting in motion the culmination of years of vengeful plotting. Inside the besieged fortress, unaware of Azucena’s capture, Manrico and Leonora prepare for their impending wedding, with love standing as a fleeting beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness of their fates.
Act IV: The Execution
The final act plunges into tragedy as Manrico and Azucena are imprisoned within Di Luna’s castle. Desperate to save her beloved, Leonora offers herself to Di Luna in exchange for Manrico’s life but secretly consumes poison to escape this fate. In a final poignant moment, Leonora dies in Manrico’s arms, sealing their love in tragedy. Di Luna, enraged by the turn of events, orders Manrico’s execution. As the final blow is struck, Azucena reveals a shocking truth: Di Luna has unwittingly killed his brother, fulfilling her mother’s vengeance after years of torment.
Verdi’s Il Trovatore is a masterful opera, brimming with dramatic twists, passionate arias, and the intensity of human emotions set against the turmoil of war and revenge. Opera enthusiasts are encouraged to secure Il Trovatore tickets in NYC before they’re sold out, as this timeless masterpiece promises an unforgettable night at the theater. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Verdi’s powerful storytelling and soaring musical brilliance.
Cast and Creatives
In Verdi’s Il Trovatore, a stellar cast and renowned creative team bring this masterpiece to life:
- Conductor: Daniele Callegari leads the orchestra with precision, interpreting Verdi’s powerful score.
- Leonora: Soprano Rachel Willis-Sørensen and Angela Meade share the role of the noble Leonora, portraying the heroine’s emotional struggles.
- Azucena: Mezzo-sopranos Jamie Barton and Olesya Petrova portray Manrico’s tormented mother, Azucena, with intensity and passion.
- Manrico: Tenor Michael Fabiano captivates as the bold troubadour Manrico, bringing his fiery character to life on stage.
- Count di Luna: Baritone Igor Golovatenko embodies the unyielding Count di Luna, a figure driven by obsession and vengeance.
- Ferrando: Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green commands attention as Ferrando, the loyal soldier.
Creatives
- Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
- Production: David McVicar
- Costume Designer: Brigitte Reiffenstuel
- Set Designer: Charles Edwards
- Lighting Designer: Jennifer Tipton
- Choreographer: Leah Hausman
Together, this exceptional cast and creative team breathe life into Verdi’s tragic and intense opera.
Venue Details: The Metropolitan Opera House
Located at 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, the Metropolitan Opera House is one of New York City’s most iconic venues for opera performances. With a seating capacity of over 3,800, this grand space offers both exceptional acoustics and stunning architecture, making it the perfect backdrop for Verdi’s Il Trovatore. The venue is fully accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
Concessions: The venue offers multiple concession stands serving drinks, snacks, and light fare before the performance and during intermission.
Nearby Food Options: If you’re looking to dine before or after the show, the Lincoln Center area boasts numerous restaurants catering to a variety of tastes. You can find fine dining options like The Smith and Lincoln Ristorante and casual spots like Le Pain Quotidien or P.J. Clarke’s for lighter meals and snacks.
Getting There: The Metropolitan Opera House is easily accessible via public transportation. Visitors can take the 1 train to 66th Street-Lincoln Center Station or use bus lines M5, M7, M11, M66, and M104. If driving, parking is available at nearby garages, but arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. Walking through the Lincoln Center campus offers a beautiful prelude to your opera experience.
Reviews and Critical Reception
Verdi’s Il Trovatore has garnered widespread praise for its gripping drama, emotional intensity, and stellar vocal performances. Critics have hailed this production for the magnetic chemistry between the leads, especially the powerful arias delivered by Rachel Willis-Sørensen, Angela Meade, and Michael Fabiano. The combination of passionate singing and striking Goya-inspired visuals by director David McVicar adds to the dramatic appeal of this beloved opera.
Notable Musical Numbers
The opera is known for its intense and unforgettable arias, including “Di quella pira,” an explosive number that showcases the tenor’s range, and “Stride la Vampa,” where the mezzo-soprano delivers an emotionally charged performance reflecting Azucena’s inner torment. “Tacea la notte placida” is a standout aria for the soprano, beautifully conveying Leonora’s love for Manrico. The “Anvil Chorus,” a powerful and rhythmic ensemble piece, is another highlight that thrills audiences with its rich, choral harmonies.
This production’s combination of raw emotion, brilliant vocal performances, and Verdi’s iconic score ensures a captivating experience for all.
Run Length and Schedule
Verdi’s Il Trovatore at the Met runs for approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes, including a 35-minute intermission. The opera spans four acts, with Acts I & II lasting 70 minutes and Acts III & IV lasting another 70 minutes. Performed in Italian with Met Titles in English, German, Spanish, and Italian, the opera is suitable for audiences who want to experience dramatic storytelling through music. Performances are scheduled on the following dates and times:
- Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 1:00 PM
- Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 7:00 PM
- Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 8:00 PM
- Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 8:00 PM
- Monday, November 11, 2024, at 8:00 PM
- Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 7:00 PM
- Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 3:00 PM
- Friday, November 22, 2024, at 8:00 PM
- Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 8:00 PM
- Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 7:30 PM
- Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 7:30 PM
- Friday, December 6, 2024, at 7:30 PM
Opera lovers are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance to enjoy this dramatic masterpiece
