Great Performances at the Met : Thaïs (2009)
Directed by Gary Halvorson / John Cox
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Synopsis by Nathan Southern
Two operatic icons - diva Renée Fleming and divo Thomas Hampson - headline this 2009 Metropolitan Opera production of Jules Massenet's 1894 Thaïs, a romantic tragedy set in fourth-century Alexandria, Egypt. The opera dramatizes the struggle between the spirit and the flesh of the monk Athanaël (Hampson), and the spiritual redemption of the courtesan Thaïs (Fleming). This particular production also stars Michael Schade as Nicias, Alain Vernhes as Palémon, and Alyson Cambridge as Crobyle. The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet lend added accompaniment on the stage with Jesús López-Cobos conducting and Donald Palumbo serving as chorus master ; Sara Jo Slate choreographed; and Gary Halvorson directs for the stage.
