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Deep Dive: The Opera House (2017)

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The Opera House
In 'The Opera House,' Susan Froemke examines the creation of the Metropolitan Opera's home, a significant cultural landmark since the 1960s. The film uses archival footage and interviews to present a pivotal era in the Met's history, focusing on the 1950s and 1960s. It features soprano Leontyne Price, who debuted in 1966 with Samuel Barber's 'Antony and Cleopatra,' marking a notable moment in the opera's legacy. The documentary also profiles key figures such as Rudolf Bing, the General Manager who led the transition to the new venue, and Robert Moses, the city planner who oversaw the demolition of a neighborhood for Lincoln Center. Architect Wallace Harrison's ambitious vision for the opera house is discussed, revealing the interplay between artists, architects, and politicians that shaped New York City's cultural landscape.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Leontyne Price at her 1966 Met debut.
  • •Follow Rudolf Bing's leadership at the Met.
  • •See the impact of Robert Moses on Lincoln Center.

Did You Know

•Leontyne Price made her debut at the Met in 1966.
•Rudolf Bing was the General Manager during the transition to the new venue.
•Robert Moses demolished an entire neighborhood for Lincoln Center.
•The Metropolitan Opera has been a cultural landmark for over fifty years.

Perfect For

Opera enthusiastsNew York City historyArchitecture fans