Metropolitan Opera in HD: Aida

I’ve had my first taste of opera back in 2012 when I was able to watch La Traviata, Madame Butterfly and Carmen. Unfortunately, the schedule of shows this 2013 looks like there won’t be as many opera productions compared to the year before. Thankfully, the Cultural Center of the Philippines has offered the next best thing which is screening Metropolitan Opera’s productions in HD at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) which already started when they showed Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida.

Watching the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Aida gave me a glimpse on how opera is staged in other countries where the budget isn’t a huge problem. For starters, the sets were monumental and captured the grandness and majesty of the early times when Egyptian civilization was still at its prime. The production didn’t skimp on the finest details as well as evidenced by the costumes and props. I was didn’t expect to be surprised when I saw a few horses on stage during the march and this just reinforced how much of a big deal opera productions are at the Met.

An opera is nothing without its cast and this production boasted of A-listers headed by Liudmyla Monastyrska in the title role of Aida alongside with tenor Roberto Alagna (Radamès) and Olga Borodina (Amneris). These three figured in a love triangle while struggling to remain loyal to their respective countries. And it true opera fashion, love always prevail but not without any consequences as this ends in a tragic note. Liudmyla Monastyrska’s O patria mia is one of the major highlights of this opera. Other cast members included Štefan Kocán (Ramfis), Miklós Sebestyén (The King) and George Gagnidze (Amonasro).

Probably the most interesting portion of the whole Met Opera in HD screening was the behind the scenes stuff was shown during the intervals. This section, hosted by Renée Fleming, showed the audience opera costumes, props and other memorabilia, the animal trainer and the stage manager giving people an insider look at how things go backstage. This posed a major dilemma to majority of those who watched the screening since taking bathroom breaks meant that one had to miss this very interesting tidbit.

There was interesting camera work throughout and I couldn’t imagine what the Metropolitan Opera used so as not to be obtrusive to the actual show happening on stage. But I didn’t like the top view shots that were employed during the dance sequences since it took away from the choreographer’s vision.

The Metropolitan Opera in HD series at the Cultural Center of the Philippines resumes this April 16, 2013 with Rigoletto. Screening times are now at 2:00 and 7:00 PM. Based on what I’ve experienced with Aida, it is highly recommended that one take a heavy snack or meal prior to watching since a grumbling stomach throughout the opera will definitely take away from one’s viewing pleasure.