As the Metropolitan Opera re-emerged from its winter recess, it provided its audience with the pleasure of witnessing two contrasting Italian masterworks on stage. The Met’s fresh production of the somberly modern ‘La Forza del Destino’ by Mariusz Treliński graced the stage, soon accompanied by Franco Zeffirelli’s lavishly traditional ‘Turandot.’

These performances showcased the Met’s aptitude to enthrall audiences through a delightful combination of visuals and aural excellence. The rarely staged ‘Forza’ returned after a notable hiatus, having not been produced by the Met since 2006. A planned 2017 production from Calixto Bieito was canceled without explanation.