Samson et Dalila
March 6th, 2005
Believe it or not, but this past weekend I experienced my first live opera. It was Samson et Dalila at the Metropolitan Opera in Lincoln Center. This modern version of an ancient story of betrayal was unique and colorful, and in Italian. However, the convenient personal subtitles in the railing in front of me helped this newbie follow the story. Even if I didn’t have the subtitles, the phenomenal performance by Denyce Graves (Dalila), Jose Cruz (Samson), and company thoroughly conveyed the story. I’m not surprised at how much I liked it. The Met is sacred ground, opera’s preeminent venue oozing with elegance featuring the world’s best productions and talent. With incredibly steep seating, there’s a good view from everywhere. I was able to take this one photo inside before the usher bit my head off.