Storyline
What happened to Figaro and his friends after the events told in Rossini’s and Mozart’s operas? One possible sequel is told in John Corigliano’s “grand opera buffa” The Ghosts of Versailles—an uproariously funny and deeply moving work inspired by Beaumarchais’s third Figaro play, La Mère Coupable, and commissioned by the Met to celebrate its 100th anniversary. This telecast captures its world premiere run, conducted by James Levine. Håkan Hagegård is Beaumarchais, Figaro’s creator, who is deeply in love with Marie Antoinette (Teresa Stratas in a heart-searing performance) and determined to rewrite history and save her from the guillotine. A young Renée Fleming, at the beginning of her international career, sings the unfaithful Rosina. Gino Quilico is the wily Figaro who tries to take matters in his own hands, and Marilyn Horne stops the show as the exotic entertainer Samira.
Cast & Crew
Teresa Stratas
Marie Antoinette
Lead
Håkan Hagegård
Beaumarchais
Gino Quilico
Figaro
Renée Fleming
Rosina
Marilyn Horne
Samira
Graham Clark
Bégearss
Judith Christin
Susanna
Peter Kazaras
Count Almaviva
What People Are Saying
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Colin Graham's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
“Every frame feels alive. The Ghosts of Versailles is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
