Mozart's tale of lust, heartbreak and revenge comes to NZ

Mozart’s tale of lust, heartbreak and revenge, Don Giovanni, comes to New Zealand cinemas

“Splendid singing from an impressive cast.” - The New York Times

“A pulsating performance in the pit from new Met principal conductor Fabio Luisi.”- Associated Press

Ten years on from his initial performance of the title role, Polish baritone Mariusz Kwiecien brings his youthful and sensual interpretation of Mozart’s timeless anti-hero, the great seducer DON GIOVANNI to the Met for the first time.

The Metropolitan Opera’s DON GIOVANNI screens in 30 cinemas around New Zealand for a limited season from 17 November.

Kwiecien nearly missed out on performing as literature’s greatest lover in the production after suffering a herniated disc during a dress rehearsal just three days prior to opening night. The singer, considered by many as the leading Don Giovanni of his generation, underwent surgery immediately and was back on stage just two weeks later, eager to share his Don Giovanni with the world.

He comments, “I just wanted to be onstage as soon as possible. I’m able to walk. I’m able to clean my apartment. Why can’t I be onstage?”

Under the direction of Tony Award-winning director Michael Grandage (Red, King Lear), a troupe of refined Mozartians appear in this new production, including Italians Barbara Frittoli as Donna Elvira and Luca Pisaroni as Leporello and debuting sopranos Marina Rebeka as Donna Anna and Mojca Erdmann as Zerlina. Australian Joshua Bloom plays the role of Masetto.

The Met’s tale of the infamous womanizer is conducted by Genoese conductor Fabio Luisi. Luisi was recently named Principal Conductor of the Met following the company’s long-time music director, James Levine, withdrawing due to back injuries. In addition to conducting the opera, he will play the recitatives on a harpsichord in the orchestra pit.

The opera contains many of Mozart’s greatest arias and duets, including La ci darem la mano, Madamina, il catalogo è questa, Fin ch'han dal vino, Non mi dir, and Mi tradi quell’alma ingrata.

Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart screens in cinemas around New Zealand from 17 November. For complete information on locations and tickets, visit www.nzmetopera.com, www.rialtodistribution.com or contact your local cinema. Tickets are $28.00 and $33.00 and are on sale in cinemas now. Cinemas participating are listed below. Running time: Approximately 3 hours and 27 minutes, including one intermission.

ENDS

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