Out & About
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
Making Love at the Met
The invitation said it all, in big, bold lettering dominating the page: “Anna and Rolando Celebrate the Met.” For patrons of the Metropolitan Opera, these two needed no further introduction. The pairing of Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazòn make them a star couple in the opera world the same way Brad and Angelina are for most of the rest of the world.
When the patrons turned up for their performance Tuesday at the Met’s Pension Fund gala, they were dressed in their finest and had brought their most tender, eager ears and strongest, enthusiastic clapping hands.
In the opera house at the conclusion of the performance of scenes from “La Boheme,” “Manon,” and “L’Elisir D’Amore,” the audience wouldn’t let Anna and Rolando go. “They made love on stage,” declared Shirley Lord Rosenthal. Similar praise poured forth at dinner following on the Grand Tier: “simply spectacular,” “magical,” “electric.”
What makes the duo so special? The Russian soprano and Mexican tenor, who are not a couple in real life, have looks, talent, and vocal and physical chemistry. They are also full of life without being larger than life. It seems possible they’ll attract admirers outside of opera, especially with a new CD of duets out this month. Meanwhile, they did their part for the Met, helping to raise $5 million.
