Get ready for a remarkable season of opera on WHRO FM 90.3, broadcasting every Saturday at 1 p.m. from the Metropolitan Opera in New York. This year’s Robert K. Johnson Foundation-Metropolitan Opera International Radio Network Season promises to delight with classic favorites and groundbreaking modern works from world-renowned composers and artists.
The season begins December 7 with Richard Strauss’ “Die Frau Ohne Schatten,” a mesmerizing fairy tale opera filled with lush orchestration, marking the peak of Strauss’ creative period. Following is Jeanine Tesori's “Grounded,” a Met premiere that brings contemporary themes to the operatic stage in a unique narrative style. As the holiday season unfolds, tune in for Mozart's “The Magic Flute” on December 21 and Humperdinck's “Hansel and Gretel” on December 28, both perfect choices to usher in the festive spirit.
The new year opens with a powerhouse lineup: Offenbach’s “Les Contes d’Hoffmann,” Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” Puccini’s “Tosca,” and Verdi’s “Aida” are sure to enchant opera lovers. February features a special Artist’s Choice series, curated by leading artists, including Verdi’s “La Traviata” selected by Angel Blue, Wagner’s “Der Fliegende Holländer” chosen by Ryan Speedo Green, and Strauss’s “Ariadne Auf Naxos” picked by Lise Davidsen.
March celebrates Bizet's “Carmen” on its 150th anniversary, alongside Puccini’s “La Bohème” and Beethoven’s “Fidelio”. Listeners will be treated to the Met premiere of Jake Heggie's “Moby-Dick”, starring Brandon Jovanovich and Peter Mattei. And we’ll also have a special double feature of Ravel’s “L’enfant et les sortilèges” (celebrating its 100th anniversary) paired with Poulenc’s “Les mamelles de Tirésias.”
Spring brings a host of celebrated works: Osvaldo Golijov’s “Ainadamar,” Rossini's “L’Assedio di Corinto,” and more Mozart masterpieces with “Die Zauberflöte” and “Le Nozze di Figaro.” Listener will also enjoy Verdi’s “Il Trovatore,” Strauss’s “Salome”, and John Adam’s “Antony and Cleopatra.” And we’ll wrap up the season with Rossini’s lively “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” and Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades,” leaving audiences with a dramatic close to a thrilling lineup.
With six new Met productions, this season introduces audiences to fresh interpretations of familiar favorites, and contemporary works that push the boundaries of opera. Don’t miss this spectacular season—each broadcast is a new journey into the world of opera, delivered straight to your radio. You can also listen online with the WHRO Media Player!
Mark your calendars and join us each Saturday at 1 p.m. on WHRO FM 90.3 for a season filled with timeless beauty, intense drama, and musical mastery!
