Opera Lovers, Circle these Dates for ‘The Met at the Hett’
McKendree is the Only Metro East Venue for Met Opera Simulcasts
Lebanon, Ill. — The New York Metropolitan Opera is as near as McKendree University’s
Hettenhausen Center for the Arts and its “Met at the Hett” series, which continues
until April. Join a worldwide audience for the Emmy Award-winning “The Met: Live in
HD” simulcasts from a “better-than-front-row seat,” close to home.
“We are the only venue to offer these fantastic programs in the Metro East,” said
Peter Palermo, director of the Hett. “Enjoy an afternoon of opera in great surround
sound and a comfortable atmosphere.”
The series, now under way, gives audiences an unprecedented look at what goes into
staging an opera at one of the world’s great houses. Met opera stars serve as hosts,
conducting live interviews with cast, crew and production teams, and introducing popular
behind-the-scenes features.
For tickets, visit www.theHett.com or call the box office at (618) 537-6863. General admission seating is $18 adults,
$15 seniors, and $10 children and full-time students with ID. Personal checks, cash
and all major credit cards are accepted.
Detailed descriptions of each program can be found at www.metopera.org. Programs and casting are subject to change. Most broadcasts are on Saturday at noon,
except when indicated as follows:
Nov. 10, The Tempest: British composer Thomas Adèsconducts the Met premiere of his opera, praised as a
modern masterpiece. The innovative production recreates the La Scala opera house interior
as a magical island venue for the otherworldly arts of Prospero.
Dec. 1, La Clemenza di Tito: Mozart’s final Italian operafeatures a charismatic cast conducted by Baroque specialist
Harry Bicket and led by Giuseppe Filianotias the Roman emperor.
Dec. 8, Un Ballo in Maschera: David Aldenreturns for the first time in over 20 years to direct a new production
of Verdi’s vivid drama of jealousy and vengeance, set in a dreamlike, early 20th-century Swedish environment.
Dec. 15, Aida: Verdi’s iconic opera set in ancient Egypt stars powerhouse Ukrainian soprano Liudmyla
Monastyrska inher Met debutas the enslaved Ethiopian princess.
Jan. 5, 2013, 11 a.m., Les Troyens: Berlioz’s Trojan War epic stars Marcello Giordani as Aeneas, the hero who flees the
ruins of Troy for the North African kingdom of Carthage.
Jan. 19, Maria Stuarda: David McVicardirects thecompany premiere of the second opera in Donizetti’s famous
trilogy about Tudor history.
Sunday, Feb. 17, noon (taped), Rigoletto: In his Met debut, Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayertransports Verdi’s story
from 16th-century Italy to 1960 Las Vegas, where the participants pursue power, money and beauty.
March 2, 11 a.m., Parsifal: Jonas Kaufmann sings the title role in this Wagner operaconducted by Daniele Gattiand
directed by noted film and opera director François Girard in his Met debut.
March 16, 11 a.m., Francesca da Rimini: Zandonai’s rarely heard early 20th century melodrama returns after more than 25 years, in Piero Faggioni’s opulent and
realistic production.
Apr. 27, 11 a.m., Giulio Cesare: David McVicar’s second new production of the season incorporates elements of Baroque
theater and 19th century British imperialism to illuminate Handel’s themes of love, war and empire
building.
-McK-
The Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts - “The Hett” - is Southern Illinois’ premier performing arts venue, presenting world class dance, drama, classical music and jazz. The 488-seat auditorium is located on the McKendree University campus in Lebanon, Illinois, 25 miles from downtown St. Louis. www.theHett.com
