The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess

The Met made history in September 2019, kicking off its season with an explosive new staging of Porgy and Bess—returning the Gershwins’ great American opera to the company’s stage for the first time in nearly 30 years. In this radio broadcast from Opening Night, bass-baritone Eric Owens and soprano Angel Blue star in the title roles, leading a stellar ensemble cast. Among the other inhabitants of Catfish Row are the young couple Clara and Jake, sung by soprano Golda Schultz and bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green; the devout Serena, sung by soprano Latonia Moore; and the nefarious Sportin’ Life and Crown, sung by tenor Frederick Ballentine and bass-baritone Alfred Walker. And as the community matriarch Maria, veteran mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves delivers a scene-stealing performance. David Robertson conducts this beloved score, which includes a number of tunes that have become classic American standards.