ARTISTS: Jonas Kaufmann (Parsifal) Katarina Dalayman (Kundry) René Pape (Gurnemanz) Peter Mattei (Amfortas) Evgeny Nikitin (Klingsor) Metropolitan Opera Orchestra Daniele Gatti - conductor François Girard‘s stunning post-apocalyptic production of Parsifal at The Metropolitan Opera trail-blazed the way for Wagner’s centennial year celebrations last year. Wagner's last and most intriguing opera, Parsifal centers on a young hero’s search for compassion, redemption, and acceptance in a world dominated by rules and fanaticism. "There is much to admire in Mr. Girard’s thoughtful and intrepid staging, full of striking imagery. The blocking of the chorus, extras and dancers is theatrical and elegant. (Carolyn Choa is the choreographer.) The Met has assembled about the best “Parsifal” cast available today: the charismatic tenor Jonas Kaufmann sings the title role; the great bass René Pape is the veteran knight Gurnemanz, a role he owns; and the baritone Peter Mattei as Amfortas, in terrific voice, dares to bring out the rashness and inner desires of this stricken leader. The conductor Daniele Gatti draws diaphanous playing from the great Met orchestra and captures the shifting currents of this richly chromatic and complex score. Incredibly Mr. Gatti conducts the work, some four and a half hours of music, from memory." The New York Times