Cover A scene from Richard Strauss’s ‘Salome’ performed by the Metropolitan Opera (Photo: The Met LIVE in HD)
A scene from Richard Strauss’s ‘Salome’ performed by the Metropolitan Opera (Photo: The Met LIVE in HD)
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Whether you missed the previous screenings or are religiously following this 2025 season of CCP The Met LIVE in HD, don’t miss the chance to see these last two shows
The Cultural Center of the Philippines continues to fulfil its promise of bringing the magic of opera closer to the Filipino audience in its 10th season. In partnership with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, The Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc and the Ayala Malls Cinemas, the 2025 edition of The Met Live in HD has been made possible since February. Screening at Glorietta 4 in Makati City, with the surround sound technology of Dolby Atmos, this year’s CCP The Met LIVE in HD has two remaining offerings this season, slated for August and September.
Read more: ‘Turandot’ at CCP celebrates Italy and the Philippines’ 75th year of diplomatic relations
Above A scene from Richard Strauss’s ‘Salome’ performed by the Metropolitan Opera (Photo: The Met LIVE in HD)
A scene from Richard Strauss’s ‘Salome’ performed by the Metropolitan Opera (Photo: The Met LIVE in HD)
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The biblical tale of the wicked Salome, Herod Antipas’s stepdaughter, takes centre stage in the seventh instalment of CCP The Met LIVE in HD, screening on August 12, 5.30pm, at Glorietta 4, Cinema 1 in Makati City.
Composed by Richard Strauss, Salome intertwines the lives of the titular young girl with her stepfather, as well as the prophet Jochanaan (also known as Saint John the Baptist). Enthralled by Jochanaan, Salome makes advances. He then rejects her and advises her to seek Christ instead. Blinded by anger, the girl seduces King Herod to get the prophet for herself.
Due to its scandalous tale of eroticism and indecency, Strauss’s Salome was initially banned from being performed in London until 1908. Its provocative number, Dance of the Seven Veils, paints the once innocent girl in a new light. The spoiled princess displays her sexual awakening as a terrifying force, enough to commit murder in the name of her desires. Highlighting Salome’s dangerous obsession with Jochanaan, the opera narrates her inevitable descent into madness and corruption.
Above A scene from Richard Strauss’s ‘Salome’ performed by the Metropolitan Opera (Photo: The Met LIVE in HD)
A scene from Richard Strauss’s ‘Salome’ performed by the Metropolitan Opera (Photo: The Met LIVE in HD)
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Originally a French play by Oscar Wilde, Salome was translated into German by Strauss following Hedwig Lachmann’s libretto. Its unsettling dissonances and turbulent rhythms deny the audience a gentle introduction, reeling them in with psychological precision. Meanwhile, the use of string, wind, and brass instruments perfectly balances the tale’s eerie atmosphere with the powerful vocals of each singer.
After two decades, the Metropolitan Opera brings Strauss’s Salome back with mezzosoprano Elza van den Heever brilliantly portraying the unhinged heroine. Tenor Gerhard Siegel joins her as the corrupt King Herod, while celebrated baritone Peter Mattei is Jochanaan. The regality and dark themes of Salome shine with the orchestral performance under the baton of the Met Opera’s music conductor, Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
This particular production had its original global transmission for The Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD last May 17.
Above A scene from Gioachino Rossini’s ‘Il Barbiere di Siviglia’ performed by the Metropolitan Opera (Photo: The Met LIVE in HD)
A scene from Gioachino Rossini’s ‘Il Barbiere di Siviglia’ performed by the Metropolitan Opera (Photo: The Met LIVE in HD)
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Slated on September 9, Gioachino Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia is a story of deception and bribery. Count Almaviva falls in love with Rosina, who Bartolo locked in his home. Count Almaviva creates multiple disguises to access her in this comedy featuring powerful vocal performances from Isabel Leonard and Lawrence Brownlee. Rossini’s ever-popular comedy features a stellar cast in a madcap staging courtesy of Tony Award–winner Bartlett Sher.
Above A scene from Gioachino Rossini’s ‘Il Barbiere di Siviglia’ performed by the Metropolitan Opera (Photo: The Met LIVE in HD)
A scene from Gioachino Rossini’s ‘Il Barbiere di Siviglia’ performed by the Metropolitan Opera (Photo: The Met LIVE in HD)
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Rossini’s perfectly honed treasure survived a famously disastrous opening night (caused by factions and local politics more than any reaction to the work itself) to become what may be the world’s most popular comic opera. Its buoyant good humour and elegant melodies have delighted the diverse tastes of every generation for two centuries, and several of the opera’s most recognisable tunes have entered the world’s musical unconscious, most notably the introductory patter song of the swaggering Figaro, the titular barber of Seville.
This particular production had its original global transmission for The Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD last May 31.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
