Lucia on the plaza (Met opening)

Intermission tribute to Pavarotti.

Curtain calls:

I'm in general agreement with Steve Smith's quick notes on the proceedings — although I can't say Marcello Giordani had a very good night in the end. Stephen Costello's debut as Arturo was striking indeed; the young tenor sang with perfect confidence from the outset, his voice showing real personality as it blended clarity of line with grainy richness of texture. I found myself wishing he were singing Edgardo in Giordani's place; he will do so on October 25. (We've been prepared for Costello's ascent by La Cieca, out in front as usual.) I think I'd have to see the show again to sort out my feelings about Dessay's performance. It was amazing to behold, yet it somehow never gripped or moved me deeply. The cold, inert atmosphere of Mary Zimmerman's production undoubtedly didn't help.