LIVE IN HD from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, Cineplex Cinemas Sydney will host a High Definition Simulcast of a Matinee performance of 

Idomeneo by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Saturday, March 25th at 2PM

Tickets $28

“Here is the Met at its best. … [James] Levine conducts, drawing a refined and affecting performance from the great Met orchestra and chorus and an impressive cast” (New York Times). Matthew Polenzani gives a “poignant, gripping performance” (New York Times) as the king torn by a rash vow; mezzo-soprano Alice Coote “exudes noble passion and dignity” (Financial Times) in the trouser role of his son Idamante; soprano Nadine Sierra sings “with expressivity and tenderness” (New York Times) as Ilia; and soprano Elza van den Heever “triumphs” (New York Times) as the volatile Elettra, who loves Idamante to the bounds of madness.

SYNOPSIS

Act 1

Idomeneo, King of Crete, is returning from the Trojan War. The Trojan princess Ilia, held captive in Crete, has fallen in love with Idomeneo’s son, Idamante. Elettra, princess of Argos, also loves Idamante. When Idomeneo’s fleet is caught in a storm, he vows, in hopes of being saved, to sacrifice to Neptune the first man he comes across on land. That man turns out to be Idamante.

Act 2

To save his son, the desperate Idomeneo commands Idomante to escort Elettra back to Argos. Elettra is now certain to win Idamante. As their ship is about to depart for Argos, another storm arises and a sea monster appears. Idomeneo confesses his guilt and offers himself as a sacrifice.

Act 3

Idamante can’t make sense of his father's behavior because Idomeneo still hasn’t revealed the subject of his oath. The monster has brought devastation to the island, and the High Priest demands to know who must be sacrificed. Idomeneo reveals that it is his son. News arrives that Idamante has killed the monster. Finally understanding his father’s motives, Idamante demands that the sacrifice proceed, but the voice of Neptune intervenes: if Idomeneo will yield power to Idamante and Ilia, the gods will be satisfied. Elettra collapses. Idomeneo gives up the throne and unites his son with Ilia.