BANGOR — Opera for lovers and novices will highlight a new series at the Bangor Public Library. In coordination with the Collins Center for the Arts Broadcast Series of the Metropolitan Opera, the library invites opera enthusiasts and the “opera curious” to the Library to discuss an upcoming performance.
“This is an opportunity for the community to discuss opera, dispel many myths and learn why opera has been so popular for so many years through discussions with local opera enthusiasts,” said Barbara McDade, director of the Bangor Public Library. “This is a fantastic way to get introduced to opera or to learn more so you can enjoy the Metropolitan broadcast at the Collins Center.”
For each event, the Collins Center of the Arts has donated a pair of vouchers for the upcoming opera to be used as a door prize for one of the lucky participants at the library program. The schedule for the Series is:
• “Macbeth,” 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22. Paul Bauschatz will be at the library to discuss “Macbeth.” The Metropolitan Opera’s “Macbeth” features Anna Netrebko as she moves boldly into Verdi with her searing portrayal of Lady Macbeth, the mad and murderous mate of Željko Lucic’s doomed Macbeth. Adrian Noble’s chilling production also stars Joseph Calleja as the noble Macduff and Rene Pape as Banquo. Fabio Luisi conducts. Macbeth will be broadcast at the Collins Center for the Arts Saturday, Oct. 25.
• “Carmen,” 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29. Esther Rauch will be at the library to discuss “Carmen.” Richard Eyre’s mesmerizing production of Bizet’s steamy melodrama returns with mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili singing her signature role of the ill-fated gypsy temptress. Aleksandrs Antonenko plays her desperate lover, the soldier Don Jose, and Ildar Abdrazakov is the swaggering bullfighter, Escamillo, who comes between them. Pablo Heras-Casado conducts the irresistible score, which features one beloved and instantly recognizable melody after another. Carmen will be broadcast at the Collins Center for the Arts on Saturday, Nov. 15.
• “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3. Don and Madeleine Clough will discuss “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” or more commonly known as “The Barber of Seville.”
The Met’s effervescent production of Rossini’s classic comedy — featuring some of the most instantly recognizable melodies in all of opera — stars Isabel Leonard as the feisty Rosina, Lawrence Brownlee as her conspiring flame and Christopher Maltman as the endlessly resourceful and charming barber, himself. Michele Mariotti conducts the vivid and tuneful score. “The Barber of Seville” will be broadcast at the Collins Center for the Arts on Saturday, Dec. 6.
For information, visit bangorpubliclibrary.org or for ticket information about the Broadcast Series, go to collinscenterforthearts.com.