Diva as Diva

When Anna Netrebko made her debut as Tosca two seasons ago, the response was overwhelming. “A magnificent Tosca,” hailed The New York Times. “From her first entrance, Ms. Netrebko, one of the opera world’s genuine prima donnas, seemed every bit Puccini’s volatile heroine.” The Observer agreed, praising especially the soprano’s “free and gorgeous” singing, as well as her gift for melting into character. “Though this performance abounds in original detail … the most impressive aspect was how little you noticed the singing or acting as such. Netrebko just revealed Tosca to you, so generously and so completely you’d almost forget you’re at the opera.”

Audiences at the Met’s all-Puccini New Year’s Eve Gala got a taste of Netrebko’s Tosca with her blazing performance of the opera’s first act. And beginning March 26, operagoers will again have the opportunity to enjoy her complete portrayal in Sir David McVicar’s sumptuous production. Joining Netrebko for these unmissable performances are tenors Najmiddin Mavlyanov and Brian Jagde as the idealistic painter Cavaradossi and baritones George Gagnidze and Michael Volle as the heartless Baron Scarpia, with Bertrand de Billy on the podium.

Joel Rozen is the Met’s Staff Writer.