Classic Arts NewsThe Exterminating Angel Makes Its American Premiere at the Metropolitan Opera October 26Composer Thomas Adès conducts his work, which features an ensemble cast of 15.
By
Ryan McPhee
October 26, 2017
Cast of The Exterminating AngelJonathan Tichler/Metropolitan Opera
Thomas Adès operatic take on The Exterminating Angel opens October 26 at the Metropolitan Opera, marking the piece’s American premiere. The opera is inspired by Luis Buñuel’s film of the same name.
Adès also conducts the opera, which features a libretto by Tom Cairns and an ensemble cast of 15 singers. The surrealist story follows a group of dinner party guests who, through circumstances they cannot explain, are unable to leave the lavish mansion for days.
The cast features Audrey Luna, Amanda Echalaz, Sally Matthews, Sophie Bevan, Alice Coote, Christine Rice, Joseph Kaiser, Frédéric Antoun, David Portillo, David Adam Moore, Rod Gilfry, Kevin Burdette, Christian Van Horn, John Tomlinson, and Iestyn Davies, who will also make his Broadway debut this season in Farinelli and the King.
The production, directed by Tom Cairns, features sets and costumes by Hildegard Bechtler, lighting design by Jon Clark, projections by Tal Yarden, and choreography by Amir Hosseinpour.
Performances will run through November 21.
The 1962 film also serves as inspiration for half of Stephen Sondheim’s upcoming musical, which offers a musical variation on The Exterminating Angel and Buñuel’s The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie.
Cast of The Exterminating AngelJonathan Tichler/Metropolitan Opera
