Submitted by the Orcas Center.

The Metropolitan Opera’s production of Beethoven’s “Fidelio” comes to the Orcas Center’s screen on Wednesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. Filmed live in high definition, these on-screen events from the Metropolitan Opera offer a diverse sampling of the world’s best performers at the height of their careers – giving you the best seat in the house from the comfort of your own island!

Its unusual structure, glorious score and life-affirming aura make it a unique experience. It has been called a hymn to freedom and human dignity. Formally a singspiel (with musical numbers separated by spoken dialogue), “Fidelio” had a long and complex gestation. Its uplifting spirit made it the obvious choice for several important productions marking the end of World War II, including the reopening of the Vienna State Opera in 1955.