Saint-Saëns: Samson et Dalila – with Elīna Garanča & Roberto Alagna

A towering epic, Saint-Saëns’s operatic take on a classic story from the Bible has many of the hallmarks of grand opera—showstopping vocal displays, thrilling choruses, and an engrossing plot set against a sweeping, pseudo-historical backdrop. During the 2018–19 season, Darko Tresnjak directed a bold new production of the opera, starring tenor Roberto Alagna as the heroic Samson, who ultimately falls victim to the seductive power of Dalila—the captivating mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča. Bass-baritone Laurent Naouri sang the sinister High Priest of Dagon, with conductor Mark Elder on the podium. (© The Metropolitan Opera)