Saint-Saëns Samson et Dalila

Star duo Roberto Alagna and Elīna Garanča make this Samson et Dalila a “feast for the eyes and ears”.

Celebrating the 100th death anniversary of Camille Saint-Saëns in December 2021, Clasart Classic presents this spectacular production of the composer’s operatic take on the towering biblical epic of Samson and Delilah. The masterpiece has many of the hallmarks of grand opera – show-stopping vocal displays, thrilling choruses, and an engrossing plot set against a sweeping, pseudo-historical backdrop. In Tony Award–winning director Darko Tresnjak’s vivid new staging, which features dazzling costumes and scenery, including an impressive setting for the last-act Temple of Dagon, Roberto Alagna and Elīna Garanča take on two of history’s most famous lovers: Roberto Alagna is the heroic Samson, who ultimately falls victim to the seductive power of Dalila – the captivating mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča. Bass-baritone Laurent Naouri sang the sinister High Priest of Dagon, with conductor Sir Mark Elder on the podium.

„Elīna Garanča sounded sumptuous … Phrases of blazing sound and temperament … She brought elegant and pining emotion to Dalila’s great aria ‘Mon coeur s’ouvre à ta voix.”
– New York Times
„Epic, pagan and sexy … Spectacular visual elements.” – WQXR
„Roberto Alagna rose to the challenge of Samson, acting with subtle detail and singing with bright tone.” – New York Observer

Production year 2018
Stage Director Darko Tresnjak
Orchestra / Band The Metropolitan Opera
Conductor Sir Mark Elder
Choir The Metropolitan Opera
Soloist Elīna Garanča
Soloist Roberto Alagna
Soloist Laurent Naouri