ARTISTS

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Thaïs: Renée Fleming Athanaël: Thomas Hampson Nicias: Michael\nSchade Orchestra & Chorus of the Metropolitan Opera, New York\nJesús López-Cobos

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Renée Fleming triumphs as the glamorous courtesan Thaïs in\nMassenet’s romantic tragedy set in fourth century Alexandria and\nthe Egyptian desert. The timeless struggle between earthly desire\nand spiritual redemption finally destroys the resolve of the monk\nAthanaël (Thomas Hampson), just as the newly penitent Thaïs ascends\nheavenward. Jesús López-Cobos gives a masterly performance of\nMassenet’s sensuous score, with concert master David Chan\ncontributing a ravishing ‘Méditation’.

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