Classic Operas Make Their Philippine Debut with Return of CCP’s The Met: Live in HD

An extraordinary lineup of exciting Met opera productions comes to the Philippine cinema through the CCP’s The Met Live in HD starting this March. 

Now in its 9th season, the opera program of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) presents a captivating lineup of seven classic operas. These include Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss, Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi, Carmen by Georges Bizet, X: The Life and All Times of Malcolm X by Anthony Davis, La Forza del Destino by Giuseppe Verdi, La Rondine by Giacomo Puccini, and Dead Man Walking by Jake Heggie.

Kicking off the new season on March 5 is Richard Strauss’s beloved opera, Der Rosenkavalier. Set in an idealized Vienna, this timeless tale explores themes of love, time, and societal norms. Renowned soprano Lise Davidsen leads the cast as the wise Marschallin, accompanied by a stellar ensemble including mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey and soprano Erin Morley.

Next, on April 2, audiences will be transported to ancient Babylon in Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco. Baritone George Gagnidze stars as the imperious king Nabucco, while soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska delivers a compelling performance as his vengeful daughter Abigaille.

On May 7, the spotlight shines on Georges Bizet’s Carmen, directed by acclaimed English director Carrie Cracknell. Mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina takes on the iconic role of the gypsy seductress Carmen, alongside a talented cast featuring tenor Piotr Beczała and soprano Angel Blue.

June 4 marks the Philippine premiere of Anthony Davis’s groundbreaking opera, X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X. Baritone Will Liverman leads the cast in this powerful retelling of the civil rights leader’s life, directed by Robert O’Hara.

Verdi’s La Forza del Destino takes center stage on July 2, with soprano Lise Davidsen headlining as the tormented Leonora. Director Mariusz Treliński brings a contemporary twist to this tale of ill-fated love and family strife.

August 13 sees the Met debut of Puccini’s La Rondine, featuring soprano Angel Blue and tenor Jonathan Tetelman in the lead roles of Magda and Ruggero. Maestro Speranza Scappucci conducts this bittersweet love story set against the backdrop of Parisian nightlife.

The season concludes on September 3 with Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking, directed by Ivo van Hove. Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato stars as Sister Helen Prejean, alongside bass-baritone Ryan McKinny and soprano Latonia Moore.

All screenings take place at 5:30 p.m. at Ayala Malls Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1 in Makati City. Tickets are priced at Php 450.00, with discounted rates available for students and young professionals. Tickets can be purchased at Greenbelt ticket booths or online at www.sureseats.com.

The Met: Live in HD is presented by the CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division in partnership with The Metropolitan Opera of New York, the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc., and Ayala Malls Cinemas. Through HD digital video technology and Dolby Sound, audiences can experience the magic of opera from the comfort of their local cinema.