BY KIRSTEN BOLTON
For ArtSpring
The passion, splendour and emotion of opera returns to ArtSpring for the 2024/25 season with tickets for five Live in HD transmissions from the Metropolitan Opera available as of this week.
Last season saw a notable increase in Salt Springers’ attendance as those in the know, and those new to know, discovered the tradition of Saturday mornings, warm intermission quiche service and the powerful cinematic experience of attending the world’s most renowned opera house in real time with audiences in New York and around the world.
The season opens with the Oct. 5 performance of Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann, starring acclaimed French tenor Benjamin Bernheim in the title role of the tormented poet.
New stagings of Strauss’s psychological Salome with a cast led by South African soprano Elza van den Heever and Swedish baritone Peter Mattei, and Verdi’s Egyptian epic Aida, with American soprano Angel Blue and Polish tenor Piotr Beczała, are much-anticipated events.
The first-ever Met transmission of Fidelio, Beethoven’s only opera, features Norwegian superstar soprano Lise Davidsen, and Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia showcases opera’s newest star, Russian mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina, returning to the Met after her hit run last season in Bizet’s Carmen.
Beloved Met music director and proud Canadian Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Aida and Salome this seasonand always provides insight and humour in his backstage interviews.
“I attended my first opera at ArtSpring two years ago, and the experience was so unexpected and affected me so deeply, it made a lasting impression,” said patron Dawna Lewis. “I hope new generations can take a chance and discover this fascinating, magical art form.”
Met Opera tickets precede the roll-out to ArtSpring’s 2024/25 Season Launch Event on Thursday, Aug. 29, which promises to give attendees a sneak peek of the season’s record 37 performances in what is being called “the most culturally diverse, captivating, and colourful season yet.” The event is from 4 to 6 p.m. and free to attend.
Season tickets for members go on sale Sept. 3 and tickets for the general public on Sept. 10.