Verdi's tragic tale of illicit love, intrigue and treachery revolves around a peasant soldier's daughter, who is in love with Rodolfo. Little does she know that he is, in fact, an aristocrat - the son of Count Walter - and that his father has planned his marriage to the Duchess Federica.

Chorus and Orchestra of the New York Metropolitan Opera, conductor James Levine

Act 1

7.35 Interval: Billy Collins
American Poet Laureate Billy Collins, author of Taking Off Emily Dickinson's Clothes, talks to Jo Shapcott.

8.00 Act 2

8.45 Interval: The Met Opera Quiz
Send questions to Met Opera Quiz, [address removed]

9.00 Opera Snaps
With Rodney Milnes.

9.05 Act 3

Broadcast Guide: For a free copy of the Met Broadcast Guide. call the BBC information line on [number removed]