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An Interview With Stephen Costello
Interview Violette Leonard Interview Violette Leonard

An Interview With Stephen Costello

Stephen Costello has been a beloved mainstay at the Met ever since his 2007 debut. 15 years after originating Greenhorn in Jake Heggie's Moby-Dick, he triumphantly returned to the role when Moby-Dick made its Met debut in March. He generously spoke with me in between performances about Moby-Dick, how the trumpet influenced his singing, and what opera shares with Cirque du Soleil. Enjoy!

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Highlights of the Met’s 2025-26 Season
Violette Leonard Violette Leonard

Highlights of the Met’s 2025-26 Season

The Met’s opening night world premiere is one of only three new operas, marking a departure from the six new operas presented only two seasons ago, and bel canto explodes back onto the stage. I couldn’t choose only five operas to explore here, so we’re expanding to six for this year only.

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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.

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Opera Onscreen: Crying and Renée Fleming in Margaret (2011)
Violette Leonard Violette Leonard

Opera Onscreen: Crying and Renée Fleming in Margaret (2011)

My favorite opera scene in film is perhaps the obscurest: Margaret (2011), when Anna Paquin and J. Smith-Cameron attend Les Contes d’Hoffmann starring Renée Fleming and Susan Graham. By the end of the Barcarolle, Paquin’s character has burst in tears and reconciled with her estranged mother.

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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.)

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