The biblical tale of the wicked Salome takes center stage in the seventh installment of CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines)’s The Met: LIVE in HD, screening on August 12, 2025, 5:30 pm, at Glorietta 4, Cinema 1 in Makati City.
Composed by Richard Strauss, Salome intertwines the life of the young girl with her stepfather, King Herod, and the prophet Jochanaan. Enthralled by Jochanaan, Salome makes advances. He then rejects her and advises her to seek Christ instead. Blinded by anger, the girl seduces King Herod to get the prophet for herself.
Due to its scandalous tale of eroticism and indecency, Strauss’ Salome was banned in London until 1908. Its provocative number, Dance of the Seven Veils, paints the once innocent girl in a new light. The spoiled princess displays her awakening as a terrifying force, enough to take a life in the name of her desires. Highlighting Salome’s dangerous obsession with Jochanaan, the opera narrates her inevitable descent into madness and corruption.
Originally a French play by Oscar Wilde, Salome was translated into German by Strauss following Hedwig Lachmann’s libretto. Its unsettling dissonances and turbulent rhythms deny the audiences a gentle introduction, reeling them in with psychological precision. Meanwhile, the use of string, wind, and brass instruments perfectly balances the tale’s eerie atmosphere with the powerful vocals of each singer.
After two decades, the Metropolitan Opera brings Strauss’ Salome back with mezzo-soprano Elza van den Heever brilliantly portraying the unhinged heroine. Tenor Gerhard Siegel joins her as the corrupt King Herod, while celebrated baritone Peter Mattei is Jochanaan. The regality and dark themes of Salome shine with the orchestral performance under the baton of the Met Opera’s music conductor, Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
Witness Salome’s tragedy on screen on August 12, 5:30 p.m., at Glorietta 4’s Cinema 1 in Makati City as the seventh installment of the CCP’s The Met: LIVE in HD. The CCP, in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc., and Ayala Malls Cinemas, showcases the beauty of operas in excellent Dolby Surround and High-Definition video.
While inspiring a deeper appreciation of all art forms, the country’s leading art institution keeps true to its commitment to providing world-class artistic experiences to Filipinos through The Met: LIVE in HD program. Aside from the performance itself, the opera program gives a glimpse into the nitty-gritty of mounting operas with exclusive interviews and footage.
Regular tickets for CCP’s The Met: LIVE in HD – Season 10 screenings are priced at Php350. Students and young professionals can avail of the discounted price of Php100 upon presentation of a valid ID. You may purchase directly from the ticket booth at the venue or book tickets online via www.sureseats.com.
Get updates on CCP’s The Met: LIVE in HD through the official Facebook pages of CCP and CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media. For upcoming CCP shows and events, follow the CCP’s official social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. You may also check on the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for more information.
Source: Beautiful Feature
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