"The Metropolitan Opera Presents" James Levine Gala (1996) ("Live from the Metropolitan Opera" James Levine Gala was the original title) was directed by Brian Large. It's a brilliant production, honoring the musical director of the Met. Levine is acknowledged as a genius, and his tenure as Music Director at the Met was marked by brilliant production upon brilliant product. Levine came to the Met in 1971. He became Music Director in 1976, so this gala marked the first half of his 40-year tenure as director. (He retired as Director in 2016.)
The greatest opera singers in the world performed that night, and, to no one's surprise, they were magnificent. Besides solo arias we heard duets, trios, and quartets. The Met chorus sang, and concertmaster Raymond Gniewek performed a beautiful violin solo.
This is a meticulously staged and directed film. (It's available as a two-DVD set.) If you love opera, you really can't miss it. If you like opera, it's still definitely worth seeing. Part of Levine's genius is that he brought the best out of singers and musicians. Watch these DVD's and you'll see what I mean.