The Metropolitan Opera’s 2025–26 season of Saturday matinee broadcasts continues on February 28 at 1 p.m. on WHRO-FM with the first of a two-part presentation of Hector Berlioz’s epic masterpiece “Les Troyens.”
Based on Virgil’s “Aeneid,” this work is one of the most ambitious works in the operatic repertoire. Berlioz’s sweeping score brings to life the fall of Troy and the fateful journey of Aeneas, blending grand choruses, monumental orchestration, and deeply human drama.
Part One, “La Prise de Troie (The Capture of Troy),” centers on the doomed city and the prophetess Cassandra, who foresees its destruction but cannot persuade her people to act. As Troy falls, the warrior Aeneas escapes to fulfill his destiny. The cast features mezzo-soprano Shirley Verrett as Cassandra, baritone Louis Quilico as Coroebus, and tenor Jon Vickers as Aeneas, with Rafael Kubelík conducting the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus.
This 1974 performance was selected as the Artist’s Choice of Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, honoring the eminent Czech conductor Rafael Kubelík, the company’s first Music Director and a passionate champion of Berlioz’s music. Kubelík played a crucial role in bringing “Les Troyens” to the Met stage, helping secure its place in the modern repertory.
Don’t miss this monumental operatic event on Saturday at 1 p.m. on WHRO-FM 90.3 or online, with Part Two airing the following Saturday.
