The Metropolitan Opera opens its 2008-09 season on September 22 with a gala performance that kicks off its 125th anniversary, starring Renée Fleming in three fully-staged scenes, including some of her most acclaimed portrayals. Costumes for Fleming have been specially created for each of the scenes in the Opening Night Gala by three of the world's legendary fashion designers: John Galliano, Christian Lacroix, and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.
There will be major cast changes from Monday 8 September in the smash hit Andrew Lloyd Webber musical 'THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA' at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, which recently played its 9000th performance and which will celebrate its 22nd birthday on Thursday 9 October.
Three of the world's top fashion designers will create costumes for Renée Fleming for the Metropolitan Opera's opening night gala on Monday, September 22.
Following its sold-out run in 2006, Academy Award-winning director Anthony Minghella's acclaimed production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly returns to the Met for only six performances, beginning Monday, October 8, 2007.
