The Metropolitan Opera's 2025-26 season of Saturday matinee broadcasts continues on April 4 with a historic broadcast of Ponchielli's "La Gioconda," presented in honor of the 150th anniversary of the opera's premiere, which took place on April 8, 1876.
Ponchielli's score is perhaps best known today for its ballet, "Dance of the Hours," but the opera's soaring melodies and searing drama made it a popular offering at the Met throughout the 20th century. In this performance from 1968, diva Renata Tebaldi sings the title role of the Venetian street singer, opposite Carlo Bergonzi as her adored Enzo. The all-star cast also features Fiorenza Cossotto, Cornell MacNeil, Mignon Dunn and Bonaldo Giaiotti, with the Met Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Fausto Cleva.
Listen to the broadcast of "La Gioconda" on Classical IPR at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Read the synopsis from the Metropolitan Opera.
Composer: Amilcare Ponchielli
Libretto: Arrigo Boito
CAST
La Gioconda: Renata Tebaldi
Enzo: Carlo Bergonzi
Laura: Fiorenza Cossotto
Barnaba: Cornell MacNeil
Alvise: Bonaldo Giaiotti
La Cieca: Mignon Dunn
Zuàne: Russell Christopher
Isèpo: Robert Schmorr
Monk: Paul Plishka
Steersman: Nicola Barbusci
