Beethoven’s towering opera hits the screen

Oregon Coast audiences can catch the Metropolitan Opera’s revival production of Beethoven’s “Fidelio” on the big screen at the Newport Performing Arts Center this Saturday, March 29.

Sometimes referred to as “a hymn to freedom and human dignity,” the opera’s glorious score, unique structure and life-affirming overtones makes for an incredibly profound and exhilarating experience. First presented in Vienna in 1814, the opera’s uplifting spirit has stood the test of time. Originally set in Seville following the French Revolution, this production places the action in an unspecified contemporary setting.

Following a string of awe-inspiring Met performances, soprano Lise Davidsen stars as Leonore, who risks everything to save her husband from the clutches of tyranny. Tenor David Butt Philip is the political prisoner Florestan, sharing the stage with bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny as the villainous Don Pizarro and veteran bass René Pape as the jailer Rocco.

Susanna Mälkki conducts the Met’s striking production, which finds modern-day parallels in Beethoven’s stirring paean to freedom.

The production begins at 10 am. Sung in German with English subtitles, the opera has a run time is around two hours and 40 minutes, with two intermissions. Tickets range from $12 to $28.

The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.