Remember when I decided that I liked opera?
That was the video that launched a hyperfixation. I watched everything that I could find with Peter Mattei in it. As I did, I found other favorites: particular singers, particular works. I branched out, exploring further down the bel canto rabbit hole, sampling some Verdi, dipping my toes in one really weird Wagner. But a special place in my heart (and a large chunk of my classical music library) will always belong to Mattei’s lyric baritone and magnetic stage presence.
When the Met’s 2019-2020 season was announced, I wasn’t yet paying attention. By the time it would’ve mattered to me, Mattei’s performance in Don Giovanni - one of his signature roles - in April 2020 was long canceled.
I decided I had to see him sing it at least once.
When the 21-22 slates were announced, I found Mattei at the Semperoper in Dresden, performing not only Don Giovanni, but The Marriage of Figaro too. But my plans for an international jaunt were short-lived, as my April calendar filled up with weddings. (My Duolingo German course is still trucking, though - 57-day streak, baybee!)
I told myself he’d be back Stateside. He performs at the Met all the time. It would happen. I just had to keep an eye out. I set up a Google alert and tried not to feel too robbed by cruel fate.
Friends… the moment has arrived: in May and June of 2023, Peter Mattei will be singing the title role in Ivo van Hove’s production of Don Giovanni at the Met. Even better, it looks like there will be a Live in HD performance, so we’ll get it preserved on video as well.
Of course, opera is more than just one Swedish baritone. I’m still talking about the art form nearly a year later because of its ability to create truly transcendent moments of music and emotion. But it was Peter Mattei’s stage presence and incredible voice that opened the door for me. Seeing him live, in the role he’s performed more than any other, will be something special - and now I have a date to circle on the calendar.
