The Metropolitan Opera: Puccini's La Rondine 15 years old

Absolutely Delightful Performance

This elegant romance is the least-known work of the mature Giacomo Puccini . The story concerns a kept woman who defies convention to chase a dream of romantic love with an earnest, if naïve, young man. This Met Opera production features the dynamic soprano Angela Gheorghiu and Frenchborn tenor Roberto Alagna performing the roles of Magda and Ruggero, it blooms into its rightful place in the glorious Puccini canon. La Rondine (The Swallow) was commissioned by Vienna s Carltheater in 1913. Due to the impending outbreak of World War I, premiered in 1917, at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo with Gilda Dalla Rizza and Tito Schipa. Set in a Parisian salon, it is the story of Magda, the glamorous mistress of wealthy banker Rambaldo. Her yearning for romantic love compels her into the arms of the ardent and adoring young Ruggero.

Credits

The Metropolitan Opera: Puccini's La Rondine Cast

Name	Character
Roberto Alagna He was 45, now 60 years old	as Ruggero
Angela Gheorghiu She was 42, now 58 years old	as Magda
Samuel Ramey He was 66, now 82 years old	as Rambaldo

The Metropolitan Opera: Puccini's La Rondine Crew

Name	Department
Brian Large as Director. He was 69 (now 85) years old	Directing
Giacomo Puccini as Compositors. He was 149 (65) years old when He died	Crew