This Saturday at 1 p.m. tune in to WHRO-FM for this year’s Metropolitan Opera Listener's Choice: Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece Don Carlo in a thrilling historic performance from 1950.
This 5-act grand opera takes place during the reign of King Phillip II of Spain in the 16th century and is based on conflicts in the life of Carlos, Prince of Asturias. It is an intense portrayal of political intrigue, power struggles, and forbidden love.
This performance from the Met's archives stars revered Swedish tenor Jussi Björling in the title role of the Spanish prince. The top-tier cast also features soprano Delia Rigal as Carlo’s beloved, Elisabeth of Valois, who’s married to his father the king; bass Cesare Siepi as King Philip II of Spain; mezzo-soprano Fedora Barbieri as Princess Eboli; baritone Robert Merrill as Rodrigo, Marquis of Posa; and bass Jerome Hines as the Grand Inquisitor. Most of the cast members were in their youthful prime, and making their Met debuts (and American debuts) in the production were Delia Rigal, Fedora Barbieri, and Cesare Siepi.
Maestro Fritz Stiedry led the Met Orchestra and Chorus in this momentous performance that marked the company’s broadcast premiere of Don Carlo, and its first broadcast under General Manager Rudolf Bing.
Don’t miss this legendary performance that will be heard over the Robert K. Johnson Foundation-Metropolitan Opera International Radio Network, this Saturday at 1 p.m. on WHRO-FM 90.3, and also online through our Media Player or your smart device.
Verdi’s ‘Don Carlo’ – This Saturday on WHRO-FM
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— 05.16 Don Carlo 1950-backstage-w-siepi-barbieri-webster-rigal ©Metopera.jpg
1950's performance - Backstage with Cesare Siepi, Fedora Barbieri, Margaret Webster and Delia Rigal.
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— 05.16 Don Carlo Grace Bumbry-as-princess-eboli©Metopera.jpg
1950's performance - Grace Bumbry as Princess Eboli.
