Anna Netrebko Wows Met Opera in Bellini’s I Puritani

At 35, Russian soprano Anna Netrebko is a megastar, a diva in the opera world in line with stars like Maria Callas. Her vocal range is higher than most and she has an enormous following who buy her solo and opera recordings. Unlike most sopranos, Netrebko is slim, attractive and lends a unique energy with natural presence to her opera roles.

Currently appearing as Elvira in Bellini’s I Puritani, at the Metropolitan Opera, for eight virtually sold out performances, Netrebko has last appeared at the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Donizetti’s Don Pasquale to major acclaim. She also did one special performance in the role of Mimi in Puccini’s La Boheme, earlier this season. This was the first time she appeared in that role, since leaving Russia’s Kirov Opera.

I Puritani originally premiered in 1835 at the Theatre Italiens in Paris, France. The story takes place in Plymouth, England, where the puritans are waged in war. As with all operas, a passionate love story dominates the plot. The role of Elvira was previously played (and recorded) by opera greats Joan Sutherland, Maria Callas, and Montserrat Caballe.

Netrebko gained world fame when she appeared in the Kirov Opera’s performance of Prokofiev’s War and Peace. The role took her around the world giving her major exposure in Europe and the United States. With her attractive appearance and outstanding singing qualities, one critic referred to Netrebko as “Audrey Hepburn with a voice.” In one of her earlier recordings, Netrebko appeared in 5 videos of operatic arias.

If you don’t have tickets to see I Puritani at the Met, PBS 13 will broadcast the production with Netrebko on TV and HDTV on January 6, 2006 (please check local listings for exact time). Meanwhile, you can listen to these Netrebko recordings:

Opera Arias

Sempre Libera

A new album featuring Netrebko singing Russian arias and songs will be released on 1/9/2007.

For recordings of earlier productions of I Puritani, check out a few noted ones here, here, here, and here.

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