Bizet's rarely heard opera returned to the Met for the first time in a century on New Year's Eve 2015, in Penny Woolcock's acclaimed new production. Star soprano Diana Damrau sings Leïla, the virgin priestess at the center of the story. Matthew Polenzani and Mariusz Kwiecien are Nadir and Zurga, rivals for Leïla's love who have sworn to renounce her to protect their friendship-and who get to sing one of opera's most celebrated duets, "Au fond du temple saint." Nicolas Testé is the high priest Nourabad and Gianandrea Noseda conducts Bizet's supremely romantic score.

 

 

Composer: Georges Bizet

Conductor: Gianandrea Noseda
Production: Penny Woolcock
Director: Matthew Diamond

 

Cast 
Leїla: Diana Damrau
Nadir: Matthew Polenzani
Zurga: Mariusz Kwiecien
Nourabad: Nicolas Testé

 

 

Performance
The Metropolitan Opera is a vibrant home for the most creative and talented singers, conductors, composers, musicians, stage directors, designers, visual artists, choreographers, and dancers from around the world. It was founded in 1883, with its first opera house built on Broadway and 39th Street by a group of wealthy businessmen who wanted their own theater.