The Metropolitan Opera SaintSaënss Samson et Dalila (2018)

A towering biblical epic SaintSaënss operatic take on the story of Samson and Delilah has many of the hallmarks of grand operashowstopping vocal displays thrilling choruses and an engrossing plot set against a sweeping pseudohistorical backdrop Its fitting then that Samson et Dalila has been chosen to celebrate the opening of the Mets season four times in the companys history including when Darko Tresnjaks bold new production premiered on the first night of the 201819 season A few weeks later the opera was shown as part of the Mets series of live cinema transmissions featuring an exceptional cast Tenor Roberto Alagna was the heroic Samson who ultimately falls victim to the seductive power of Dalilathe captivating mezzosoprano Elīna Garanča Bassbaritone Laurent Naouri sang the sinister High Priest of Dagon with conductor Sir Mark Elder on the podium