LA CENERENTOLA (Met Encore)

Rossini’s charming take on the Cinderella story features a brilliant cast, led by bel canto stars mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato in the title role and tenor Juan Diego Flórez as her Prince Charming. Baritone Alessandro Corbelli delivers a comic tour de force as Don Magnifico, Cinderella’s stepfather. Baritone Pietro Spagnoli is Dandini, the Prince’s valet, who, disguised as his master, puts the prospective brides to the test, and bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni is the philosopher Alidoro, who takes the place of the fairy godmother. Conductor Fabio Luisi leads Cesare Lievi’s whimsical production. Original broadcast: May 10, 2014.