Blog

Met Opera 2024-25 Review: Aida
Review Violette Leonard Review Violette Leonard

Met Opera 2024-25 Review: Aida

New stagings always carry the weight of expectations, but Michael Mayer’s new Aida has the burden of replacing one of the Met’s most beloved productions. This staging had a fairly bumpy road; it was originally scheduled for 2020, but was axed due to corona. Now, it’s finally here, and quite remarkable. Hang on to your amulets!

Read More
An Interview With Quinn Kelsey
Interview Violette Leonard Interview Violette Leonard

An Interview With Quinn Kelsey

Quinn Kelsey sang in his first opera, Verdi’s Aida, at 13 years old, as a 1st tenor in the priests’ chorus. 34 years later, he is the king of Verdi baritones and singing the Ethiopian king Amonasro in the Met’s starry new production of Aida.

Read More
Opera Is Cool: Debunking Myths
Violette Leonard Violette Leonard

Opera Is Cool: Debunking Myths

Let’s face it: opera has gotten a bad rap. In reality, opera is one of the most glorious art forms in the world. Come debunk some myths with me! (Hint: it involves Beyoncé.)

Read More
Highlights of the Met’s 2024-25 Season
Violette Leonard Violette Leonard

Highlights of the Met’s 2024-25 Season

On February 23, the Met Opera announced their 2024-25 season. Notably for nitpicky me, I’m excited for almost everything. It was difficult to choose, but here are the five shows I’m most looking forward to.

Read More
An Interview With Gabriella Reyes
Interview Violette Leonard Interview Violette Leonard

An Interview With Gabriella Reyes

Since the stunning soprano Gabriella Reyes became the first Nicaraguan-American to sing at the Met, her star has only risen, and she's now taking on the Met's first-ever Latino opera, Florencia en el Amazonas. I spoke with Gabriella in between performances, and she could not have been warmer.

Read More
Opera’s Scariest Characters (Halloween Feature)
Violette Leonard Violette Leonard

Opera’s Scariest Characters (Halloween Feature)

Halloween is upon us! To get yourself in the mood, read up on a few of opera’s most terrifying characters, from an infanticidal sorceress to a falsely suave lecher. Which operatic character scares the high notes out of you?

Read More