Semiramide live in HD this Saturday at Carib 5

Rossini's masterpiece of dazzling vocal fireworks makes a rare Met appearance, its first in nearly 25 years with Maurizio Benini conducting. The all-star bel canto cast features Angela Meade in the title role of the murderous Queen of Babylon, who squares off in breathtaking duets with Arsace, a trouser role sung by Elizabeth DeShong. Javier Camarena, Ildar Abdrazakov, and Ryan Speedo Green complete the stellar cast.

Set in ancient Babylon, now modern-day Iraq, Semiramide follows the battle for the Babylonian throne in the wake of its fallen monarch. The opera marks the culmination of the Italian phase of Rossini's monumental yet unusual career and is often considered one of his finest works. Semiramide will be transmitted live this Saturday March 10, 12:55 p.m. at Carib 5.