Puccini’s achingly beautiful score charmingly conveys the plight of Magda (the “swallow” of the title), who unexpectedly finds true love with the handsome young Ruggero. But their idyllic life comes to a premature end as she is haunted by the fear that her checkered past will ruin his future. Opera stars Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna portray Puccini’s star-crossed lovers. Nicholas Joël’s production features elegant and sophisticated art-deco sets that contribute to the dazzling stage picture.  Original transmission: Saturday, January 10, 2009

Text courtesy of The Metropolitan Opera website:  http://www.metopera.org

CONDUCTOR: Marco Armiliato

PRODUCTION: Nicolas Joël

CAST: Angela Gheorghiu, Lisette Oropesa, Roberto Alagna, Samuel Ramay, Monica Yunus, Alyson Cambridge, ElizabethDeShong

CAST SHEET & SYNOPSIS:

http://www.metopera.org/metupload/hd/Rondine.pdf

 VIDEO: Video courtesy of The Metropolitan Opera

PHOTOS: Ken Howard/The Metropolitan Opera

Angela Gheorghiu as Magda and Roberto Alagna as Ruggero in Puccini’s “La Rondine.” Photo: Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera

Angela Gheorghiu as Magda in Puccini’s “La Rondine.” Photo: Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera

A scene from Act 1 of Puccini’s “La Rondine.” Photo: Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera