Met Live in HD: Verdi’s Ernani

On Saturday, February 25 at 12:55 p.m.,  USCB Center for the Arts and The Met: Live in HD will showcase Giuseppe Verdi’s opera, “Ernani.” Angela Meade takes center stage as Elvira in Verdi’s thrilling early gem. Marcello Giordani sings the title role as her mismatched lover, and all-star Verdians Ferruccio Furlanetto and Dmitri Hvorostovsky round out the cast as her uncle, Don Ruy Gomez de Silva, and Don Carlo, the king of Spain.
Based on a play by Victor Hugo, the opera’s implausible plot is set in early 16th century Spain. A nobleman has lost his title and wealth in a civil war and becomes the leader of a band of outlaws.  He takes the name of Ernani and vows to rescue his love, Elvira, from a forced marriage to her aged uncle and guardian.  In the struggles between the two that ensue, Don Carlo, the king, is also revealed as a suitor for her hand.  The two enemies agree to suspend their quarrel and join forces against the king. Presented in four acts, Verdi’s opera provides a wealth of rousing choruses and full-blooded arias sure to satisfy the most demanding of fans.
With the recent technology upgrades to USCB Center for the Arts, the larger screen and improved sound will provide an even greater sense of “you are there” to the 11 live performances from the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House.  Upcoming performances include: Manon (Apr. 7) and La Traviata (Apr. 14).  For additional information on the operas go to www.metopera.org/hdlive.
All seating is assigned.  Adult/Senior $20; Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Members $16; USCB Students and Youth under 18 $10.
For additional information, contact USCB Center for the Arts director, Bonnie Hargrove, at 843-521-3145, or hargrov@uscb./edu.