By Raphael Sugarman
Over the past five years, the TimesLedger's From the Footlights column has illustrated what many of us have long known: Queens residents don't take a back seat to any New Yorkers when it comes to the arts.
From the Footlights has profiled Queens residents who have prominent singing roles on Broadway and with the Metropolitan Opera. We have also met local residents who have key, high-level jobs backstage, helping bring the best of the arts to all New Yorkers.
It would be nearly impossible to preview all of the cultural organizations and events available this fall. Below, are a few of the most interesting possibilities:
The Metropolitan Opera:
The wonderful variety that has marked the Metropolitan Opera's past two seasons will be in evidence from the first arias of the opening night gala and new season, on Monday, Sept. 22. Maestros James Levine, Marco Armilato and Patrick Summers will conduct fully-staged performances from Verdi's “La Traviata,” Massenet's “Manon” and Richard Strauss' “Capriccio.” Renée Fleming will headline the evening, performing acts from all three operas. Tenor Ramón Vargas and baritones Thomas Hampson and Dwayne Croft join Fleming for the gala evening.
Other fall highlights include the presentation of Richard Strauss' “Salome,” which opens Sept. 23. Karita Mattila reprises her acclaimed interpretation of the title role and Juha Uusitalo makes his Met debut as Jochanaan.
On Monday, Oct. 13, John Adams' “Doctor Atomic” will have its Met premiere. Gerald Finley reprises his portrayal of Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer.
The season's diversity continues with the production of Berlioz's “La Damnation de Faust,” which opens Friday, Nov. 7. Marcello Giordani plays the title role, and Robert Lepage makes his Met directorial debut.
