New York's legendary Metropolitan Opera hosted this 2009 rendition of Gioachino Rossini's 1817 dramma giocoso La Cenerentola, known in English as Cinderella and originally adapted from the folk tale of the same name. Rossini used as a basis Charles Perrault's 17th century French-language folk tale, arguably the most popular version at the time of the opera's premiere. Cesare Lievi mounted this particular production; it stars mezzo-soprano El?na Garan?a in the title role, Lawrence Brownlee as Don Ramiro, Simone Alberghini as Dandini and Alessandro Corbelli as Don Magnifico. Maurizio Bal designed the sets, Daniela Schiavone choreographs and Sharon Thomas directs for the stage. The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus provide musical accompaniment. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

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The Blu-Ray was recorded live at the Metropolitan Opera during one of the fabled theatres greatest nights in 2009

Elina Garanea builds on the success of 2009 album, Bel Canto, incarnating the bel canto title role heroine, Cinderella, in Rossinis touching and hilarious comic masterpiece, La Cenerentola

Garanea is something special. The voice pure, warm, ample in power and range, she has achieved a mastery of Rossinis florid style, using no quick fixes (aspirates or separation devices) but singing the runs legato and with clarity. (John Steane, Gramophone)

. . . what singing! Wonderful smoky tone, properly mezzo, and dazzling decoration in her closing aria Nacqui all affanno. (BBC Music Magazine)

Maurizio Benini waves a magic wand of a baton, eliciting effervescent, transparent, shining sound from The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Piquant visuals and superb acting by the entire cast make this a video opera lovers will watch again and again

The Philadelphia Inquirer lauded: Mezzo-soprano Elina Garanea was a sensation at the Metropolitan Operas spring simulcast of La Cenerentola with her vocal virtuosity, intensely blond glamour, and acting ability . . .

Extras: The opera is introduced by baritone Thomas Hampson, who also interviews Elina Garanea deftly and with charm. More interviews with Simone Alberghini, Alessandro Corbelli, Lawrence Brownlee and John Relyea