The Enchanted Island - A World Premiere at the Met

St. Paul, Minn. — I like opera. I truly do. I tend not to get very excited about it, although for each opera performed at the Met, I tend to get excited about something.

The Enchanted Island gives me many reasons to be excited, and I hope to pass some of my enthusiasm your way.

Receiving its broadcast premiere this Saturday, The Enchanted Island began its Met run on December 31, 2011.

The Met Opera rarely performs a "pastiche", and that's exactly what director, writer and composer Jeremy Sams created.

Sams chose some of the best operatic moments from the Baroque era and created a libretto to suit the music. Handel, Rameau and Vivaldi are featured prominently.

His inspiration began with an idea from Met General Manager Peter Gelb, who said, "Imagine taking the hidden gems from a century of music, and turning them into one opera. Oh, and it has to be in English."

The libretto also blends literary works of Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Tempest).

Placido Domingo loved the idea so much he asked for a part in the show. Sams, in turn, created Domingo's role of "Neptune."

I think it'll be an interesting production by the Met; I'm looking forward to hearing some of the best Baroque operatic moments performed by an amazing cast.

Hear The Enchanted Island Saturday, January 21 at noon central on Classical Minnesota Public Radio.