If you've never experienced music under the stars, here is your chance. Tomorrow night marks the 40th year that the Metropolitan Opera brings free opera to Central Park in New York City. Friday night June 22 will be the 20th year that this program has been expanded to New Jersey. This year's offerings include Giacomo Puccini's La Bohème and Charles Gounod's Faust.
Puccini’s love story includes soprano Hei-Kyung Hong as Mimì, soprano Mary Dunleavy as Musetta, tenor Roberto Aronica as Rodolfo, baritone Dwayne Croft as Marcello, baritone Jeff Mattsey as Schaunard, and bass Andrew Gangestad as Colline. Gareth Morrell conducts.
Gounod's chronicle of the philosopher who sells his soul to the devil will be conducted by Maurizio Benini with soprano Katie van Kooten as Marguerite, mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey as Siébel, tenor David Pomeroy as Faust, baritone Hung Yun as Valentin, and bass James Morris as Méphistophélès.
All you have to do is bring a blanket, a chair, bug spray, a picnic dinner and a sweater. This is a golden opportunity to experience opera in an informal setting.
Be sure to come to the library to checkout the libretto or music from these famous works.