For opera fans who can’t wait for our own Opera in Williamsburg’s November showing of “Orfeo ed Euridice,” take note. The Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD broadcasts for 2025-26 begin Oct. 18 at the Movie Tavern in Williamsburg.
Although it’s preferable to see opera live, especially that of the Met, you can’t beat the economics of seeing it in the theater, where cameras allow you close ups that you don’t get in a regular opera house.
The season opens with Bellini’s bel canto masterpiece “La Sonnambula.” Amina loves one fellow but sleepwalks into the bedroom of another. Needless to say, there’s jealousy, possible infidelity, before resolution.
On tap Nov. 8 is one of opera’s most loved, “La Bohème.” This will be the acclaimed and visually impactful production of Zeffirelli. Yes, it’s a major Kleenex work but the melodies provide endless listening luxury.
On Nov. 22, Strauss’s “Arabella” takes the stage. Typical of so many operas, it’s filled with mistaken identities and romantic messes, brought about by a down-in-its-luck noble family that can’t afford to have two daughters presented to society, requiring one to dress as a man. Strauss’s lines are breathtakingly beautiful, adding to the lyric comedy’s delight, elegance and emotion.
The year ends Dec. 13 with Giordano’s lovely “Andrea Chénier.” This is a powerful verismo work set against the French revolution period and finds two lovers and a third wanna-be lover in conflict. Jealousy and politics enter and things sort themselves out eventually in a dramatic, yet tearful, finale.
All live events take place at 1 p.m. Saturdays, with special encore presentations of each screening the following Wednesday. More of The Met: Live in HD to come next year. For information and tickets, visit shorturl.at/e6whw.
Opera in Williamsburg’s “Orfeo ed Euridice,” meanwhile, is scheduled from Nov. 4-9 at the Kimball Theatre.
Also this month
The Williamsburg Artists Group will soon be holding its October sale in the Bruton Parish House. There, you’ll find original paintings, jewelry, notecards and other fine arts and crafts. The show takes place Oct. 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some 20 local artists will be selling and displaying their works.
According to Laurie Rokutani, a WAG leader, “it’s always fun to talk with people who stop by to see our work, whether locals or visitors. There will be something for everyone’s taste.”
WAG has also exhibited at the Stryker Gallery, the Williamsburg Regional Library system and the Williamsburg Winery. WAG will donate 10% of its total sales to the Williamsburg Youth Orchestra as a community service.
Don’t forget
The Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center is holding its Members’ Co-Op Show through Oct. 31 in its Westover Avenue location. The show features member artists, artisans and photographers. Additionally, in the Fireside Gallery, there’s art inspired by poetry. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, visit visitwcac.org.
Have information about the arts in the Historic Triangle? Contact John Shulson at johnshulson@gmail.com.