29 October 2024

New Season of Met: Live in HD Features Eight Stunning Opera Productions

Submitted by: Janet de Kretser

From the Met Stage to the Big Screen

The new season includes three new productions: the Met premiere of Grounded by Tony Award–winning composer Jeanine Tesori, Verdi’s Aida directed by Michael Mayer featuring American soprano Angel Blue, and Strauss’s Salome starring South African soprano Elza van den Heever.

The Met: Live in HD, the Metropolitan Opera’s award-winning series of high-definition cinema simulcasts, is entering its 18th season, now showing at select Ster-Kinekor and Cinema Nouveau locations across South Africa. For the first time, audiences at Ster-Kinekor V&A Waterfront in Cape Town will enjoy the live stream, joining a global audience in real-time. Each production will have additional screenings at various cinemas afterwards.

Season Highlights and Premieres

The 2024–25 Live in HD season opened with Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann, featuring acclaimed South African soprano Pretty Yende. Upcoming highlights include:

  • Jeanine Tesori’s Grounded (Met Premiere): A gripping new opera starring mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo, exploring the ethical and psychological conflicts of modern warfare, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Screening dates: 3 and 5 November 2024 (164 minutes).

  • Puccini’s Tosca (Revival): Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen leads in David McVicar’s production, with tenor Freddie De Tommaso debuting as Cavaradossi. Screening dates: 23 November (Livestream); 22 and 24 December 2024 (208 minutes).

  • Verdi’s Aida (New Production): American soprano Angel Blue stars as Aida in Michael Mayer’s visually spectacular staging. Screening dates: 25 January 2025 (Livestream); 16 and 18 February 2025 (218 minutes).

  • Beethoven’s Fidelio (Revival): Lise Davidsen returns as Leonore, with Susanna Mälkki conducting. Screening dates: 15 March 2025 (Livestream); 30 March and 1 April 2025 (184 minutes).

  • Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro (Revival): Conducted by Joana Mallwitz, featuring a stellar cast including Michael Sumuel as Figaro. Screening dates: 11 and 13 May 2025 (235 minutes).

  • Strauss’s Salome (New Production): South African soprano Elza van den Heever stars as Salome, with Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducting Claus Guth’s Victorian-era interpretation. Screening dates: 17 May 2025 (Livestream); 1 and 3 June 2025 (135 minutes).

  • Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Revival): Aigul Akhmetshina returns as Rosina in Bartlett Sher’s dynamic staging. Screening dates: 31 May 2025 (Livestream); 29 June and 1 July 2025 (213 minutes).

Bringing World-Class Opera to South African Cinemas

“The Met: Live in HD brings the splendour of world-class opera directly to local audiences, making these productions accessible to anyone who appreciates the art form,” said Lynne Wylie, Chief Marketing Officer at Ster-Kinekor Theatres. “The cinematic experience allows viewers to feel part of the live audience in New York, creating a unique theatre-like setting.”

Peter Gelb, the Met’s Maria Manetti Shrem General Manager, added, “What began as an experiment 17 years ago has become a staple experience for opera lovers around the world. We are proud that our 2024–25 season balances timeless classics with new, engaging works to attract younger, more diverse audiences.”

Experience the Met at Cinema Nouveau and Ster-Kinekor

Catch these world-class productions at Cinema Nouveau and select Ster-Kinekor cinemas: Bedford and Rosebank Nouveau in Johannesburg, Brooklyn in Tshwane, Gateway in Durban, Garden Route in George, Somerset in Somerset West, and Blue Route and V&A Waterfront (livestream) in Cape Town.

Book your tickets now at www.sterkinekor.com or download the SK App. Follow Ster-Kinekor for updates on Facebook: Ster-Kinekor Theatres and Twitter: @SterKinekor. For assistance, call the Ticketline on 0861-Movies (668 437).

Press Release Submitted By

Company Name: aHead PR
On Behalf of: Ster-Kinekor Theatres / Cinema Nouveau
Contact Person: Janet de Kretser
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Contact Number: +27 83 973 3531

Total Words: 735

Social Media Post

New Season of Met: Live in HD Arrives!
Don’t miss eight world-class opera productions, now screening at select Ster-Kinekor and Cinema Nouveau locations! #TheMetHD #SterKinekor #OperaOnScreen #CineNouveau #pressrelease #AfricaNewsroom #bizcommunity #publicrelations #africa #southernafrica #southafrica

Published in Leisure, Entertainment, Miscellaneous

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