Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at LA RONDINE, Part of The Met: Live in HD 'Summer Encores' Series

THE MET: LIVE IN HD's "Summer Encores" series presents Puccini's bittersweet romance LA RONDINE. The production returns with opera stars Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna on Wednesday, June 25 at 7 p.m.* (*check local theaters for dates and times). Scroll down for a sneak peek at the production!

THE MET: LIVE IN HD
La Rondine by Giacomo Puccini
Host: Renée Fleming

Puccini's achingly beautiful score conveys the plight of Magda (the "swallow" of the title), who unexpectedly finds true love with the handsome young Ruggero. Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna, who portray Puccini's star-crossed lovers, were praised by the Associated Press for "a vocal synchronicity and an emotional electricity that keeps an international audience riveted." Lisette Oropesa sings the role of Lisette, Magda's maid; Marius Brenciu sings the poet Prunier; andSamuel Ramey is Rambaldo, the wealthy older man whose love for Magda threatens to compromise her happiness. Nicolas Joël's production of this rarely performed opera features elegant art-deco sets. (Running time: approximately 2 hours)

Photo Credit: Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera