In Focus, a new podcast series from the Metropolitan Opera, introduces audience members to the operatic masterpieces presented in the company’s award-winning Live in HD cinema transmissions. Hosted by Met radio commentator and staff writer William Berger, In Focus provides historical context about the works and their creators, as well as insightful commentary about the drama and the music, accompanied by excerpts from past Met performances. For more information and a Live in HD schedule, visit metopera.org.
Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländer
A spectral sea captain, cursed to wander the open ocean for eternity—unless the true love of a woman can save him. Learn more about Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländer with our In Focus podcast, hosted by author, Met radio commentator, and staff writer William Berger.
3/4/2020 • 11 minutes, 55 seconds
Handel's Agrippina
Powerful men and—especially—women deceive and seduce one another to achieve their selfish ends, in a political satire as relevant now as ever. Learn more about Handel’s Agrippina with our In Focus podcast, hosted by author, Met radio commentator, and staff writer William Berger.
2/19/2020 • 11 minutes, 27 seconds
Berg's Wozzeck
An ordinary soldier is driven to madness and murder by an intolerable cocktail of humiliation, jealousy, and the indignities of daily life—his suffering made visceral by one of opera’s most powerful scores. Learn more about Berg’s Wozzeck with our In Focus podcast, hosted by author, Met radio commentator, and staff writer William Berger.
1/1/2020 • 12 minutes, 42 seconds
Glass's Akhnaten
A young pharaoh transforms ancient Egypt with his revolutionary religious ideas—a tale made modern through Philip Glass’s mesmerizing and distinctive musical style. Learn more about Akhnaten with our In Focus podcast, hosted by author, Met radio commentator, and staff writer William Berger.
11/13/2019 • 12 minutes, 17 seconds
Puccini's Madama Butterfly
A clash of cultures and the heartless abandonment of a naïve young Japanese geisha lead to one of opera’s most devastating and emotionally direct tragedies. Learn more about Puccini’s Madama Butterfly with our In Focus podcast, hosted by Met radio commentator and staff writer William Berger.
11/1/2019 • 14 minutes, 46 seconds
Massenet's Manon
A beautiful ingénue with a taste for the finer things makes her way to Paris, where she becomes irresistible to the men around her—including the passionate Chevalier des Grieux, whose all-consuming love for her leads to ruin. Learn more about Massenet’s Manon with our In Focus podcast, hosted by Met radio commentator and staff writer William Berger.
10/16/2019 • 12 minutes, 22 seconds
Puccini's Turandot
In ancient China, a princess tests the worthiness of her suitors by posing a series of riddles—killing those who answer incorrectly—until a brave warrior proves he’s up to the challenge. Learn more about Puccini’s Turandot with our In Focus podcast, hosted by Met radio commentator and staff writer William Berger.
