GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET: Ernani

Based on Victor Hugo’s revolutionary play, "Ernani" involves three men--two noble, and one a bandit--who attempt to out-maneuver one another for the hand of the beautiful Elvira. Marco Armiliato conducts Verdi’s thrilling drama of passion, power, and honor, which is seen in Pier Luigi Samaritani’s lavish production.

American soprano Angela Meade, whose victory in the Met’s National Council Auditions was chronicled in the 2008 documentary film "The Audition," takes the role of the noblewoman Elvira in her first GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET appearance. She made an acclaimed Met debut as Elvira in the 2007-08 revival of "Ernani," filling in at the last minute for an ailing Sondra Radvanovsky.

Marcello Giordani, star of the GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET broadcasts of "Turandot," "La Damnation de Faust," "Simon Boccanegra," and "La Fanciulla del West," sings the title role of the noble bandit who loves Elvira.

Dmitri Hvorostovsky adds a new role to his distinguished repertory as Don Carlo, a royal suitor for Elvira’s hand. This is Hvorostovsky’s sixth Verdi role in his Met repertory, joining the title character in "Simon Boccanegra," Germont in "La Traviata," Rodrigo in "Don Carlo," Renato in "Un Ballo in Maschera," and di Luna in "Il Trovatore."

Ferruccio Furlanetto is de Silva, a wealthy relative with his own designs on Elvira. De Silva is the second of three roles Furlanetto sings at the Met this season. The versatile artist first sang de Silva at the Met in the 2007-08 revival of "Ernani."

Maestro Armiliato’s numerous Met appearances have included a variety of Verdi works, from the early "Attila" to the repertory staples "Aida," "Rigoletto," "La Traviata," and "Il Trovatore." Earlier this season, he led the Met premiere of "Anna Bolena," seen on GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET.

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