World Premier: The First Emperor by Tan Dun.

In December and January the Metropolitan Opera will present nine sold-out performances of Tan Dun’s new opera (co-commissioned by the Met and the Los Angeles Opera).

Known best for his Oscar-winning score to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Tan Dun’s interest in non-traditional uses of percussion creates some fun playing situations for performers, and this is no exception. In Act I of this production I find myself onstage, in costume (as a chinese soldier), and playing drums with stones I found in central park. I’m sure there are better gigs out there but I just can’t think of them right now…

The lead roles are sung by Placido Domingo and Elizabeth Futral, and the production is directed by Zhang Yimou, who is behind some of the most visually stunning filmmaking in recent years (House of Flying Daggers and Hero).

For more details from the Met website, Click Here

This production is one of the 6 from this season featured in the Met’s new project “The Met Opera Goes to the Movies,” whereby matinee performances are broadcast live in High Definition to movie theaters all over the country. More info Here.

It will also play on the Saturday Matinee Radio Broadcasts. More info Here.