Performer: Ivo van Hove

Opera lovers’ favorite roué is back at the Met, with the charismatic Ryan Speedo Green taking on the title role.

The Metropolitan Opera makes good on its promise to present more contemporary work, opening the season with Jake Heggie's gut wrenching tale of rage and redemption. 

Peter Mattei's smooth-as-silk baritone leads a handsome cast in the Metropolitan Opera's bleak new production of Mozart's great dramma giocoso. 

Don Giovanni returns to the Palais Garnier. The production by Ivo van Hove lacks energy but is wonderfully served by a cast of great young talents.

Best of all is the self-effacing pianism of Lada Valešová, a constant yet discreet onstage presence.

Pianist Lada Valešová was the anchor of the performance where Janáček's song cycle gets the van Hove treatment.