Le Sacre du Printemps | Le Rossignol | Oedipus Rex

This triple bill of works by one of the greatest composers of the 20th century, directed by John Dexter and designed by David Hockney, offered Met audiences a rich theatrical experience—beginning with the dramatically gripping ballet Le Sacre du Printemps, choreographed by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, with Music Director James Levine and the Met Orchestra at their riveting best. The charming fairy tale Le Rossignol (The Nightingale) features Gianna Rolandi as the title character, whose singing is so enchanting that it keeps even Death (Jean Kraft) from the ailing Emperor (Morley Meredith). The searing Oedipus Rex retells the Greek myth in stark but emotional terms. William Lewis is the tragically ill-fated title hero who unknowingly murders his father and marries his mother, Jocasta (Florence Quivar). Franz Mazura sings the roles of Creon and the Messenger, and Anthony Dowell is the Speaker.