Two Debuts & One Return in MET "Orfeo ed Euridice" Revival

MET debutantes Royal and Walker flank Daniels
on opening night (Photo: William Scott Walters)

"Soprano Kate Royal sang powerfully and emotionally as Euridice in a winning Met debut, displaying a strong upper register. She earned robust applause for 'Che fiero momento (What a proud moment).' Countertenor David Daniels once again was the star of the show, reprising his performance as Orfeo. The part was sung by the castrato Gaetano Guadagni at its premiere and also can be sung by a mezzo-soprano — Stephanie Blythe performed it at the Met two years ago. Slimmed down and looking radiant with sparkles on his clothes and a guitar dangling from his back, Daniels commanded the stage, conveying his pain at not being allowed to look at Euridice. His liquid voice dazzled in 'Che faro senza Euridice? (What shall I do without Euridice?)' .... Australian conductor Anthony Walker made his Met debut, leading a propulsive performance but one that was less frothy than James Levine's version when the staging was new." [Source]