Joyce DiDonato sings Sesto at the Metropolitan Opera for the first time

On March 30 & April 3, 6, 11, 16 & 20, Joyce DiDonato stars as Sesto in Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito at the Metropolitan Opera. A signature role for Ms. DiDonato, this will be her first time singing the role at the Met. Joyce will share the stage with star studded roster of artists including Matthew Polenzani as Tito, Elza van den Heever as Vitellia, Ying Fang as Servilia, Emily D’Angelo as Annio, and Christian Van Horn as Publio. Lothar Koenigs conducts the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus.

Joyce is featured on a recording of La Clemenza di Tito released by Deutsche Grammophon last year, with an illustrious cast under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin. More information and links to purchase the album are available via Joyce’s Recordings. In 2014, Joyce starred as Sesto opposite Matthew Polenzani as Tito at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Her portrayal was celebrated by the Chicago Classical Review:

“It’s a testament to Joyce DiDonato’s artistry that she can make such a weak, vacillating character as Sesto so riveting and compelling. The American mezzo commanded the stage Wednesday night whenever she appeared, bringing a charismatic presence and dramatic honesty to the indecisive Sesto. DiDonato’s rich, flexible voice was balm for the ears, and the mezzo threw off some dazzling coloratura at lightning tempos. One can go a long time without hearing “Parto, parto” sung with such poised feeling and commitment, and Sesto’s contrite aria in Act 2 was likewise suffused with deep sadness and glowing tone.”