The Metropolitan Opera: Ariadne auf Naxos

The Metropolitan Opera: Ariadne auf Naxos

2003 · Music

Elijah Moshinsky’s witty production deftly walks the line between the lighthearted humor and the profound philosophical underpinnings of Strauss and Hofmannsthal’s opera, masterfully conducted here by Met Music Director James Levine. Deborah Voigt stars as Ariadne, the mythical heroine abandoned on the island of Naxos by her lover, and Richard Margison is Bacchus, the young god who eventually takes her away to a new life. The spectacular Natalie Dessay as Zerbinetta leads the troupe of comedians who unsuccessfully try to cheer Ariadne up. Susanne Mentzer is delightful as the young Composer of the opera-within-the-opera, and Wolfgang Brendel sings the Music Master.

Directed by Elijah Moshinsky · Written by Hugo von Hofmannsthal

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Cast

Deborah Voigt The Prima Donna / Ariadne
Natalie Dessay Zerbinetta
Richard Margison The Tenor / Bacchus
Nathan Gunn Harlequin
Susanne Mentzer The Composer

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