Elizabeth DeShong is one of today’s biggest rising stars singing at some of the world’s greatest stages and performing some of the toughest mezzo roles in the repertoire. And this week, the mezzo takes on her biggest Metropolitan Opera assignment yet as Arsace in Rossini’s “Semiramide.”

For years DeShong has been a huge proponent of Rossini’s music, performing it in Bordeaux, Toronto, and Vienna among others. She has also been a leading lady in many of the world’s biggest theaters including the Vienna State Opera, Royal Opera, and Bayerische Staatsoper. However, at the Met, DeShong has never been center stage.

Since her debut at the Met in 2008 in Puccini’s “La Rondine,” the Mezzo has performed supporting roles in “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Aida,” “Gotterdammerung,”  “Madama Butterfly,” and Lulu.” She was also featured in the world premiere of “The Enchanted Island,” and while she has gained acclaim in all these roles, Arsace will test DeShong’s status as a star with the company. She will not only be one of the few mezzos to perform the iconic role but will also showcase her virtuoso power in the repertoire she has become so well associated with.

Recordings

For those not familiar with DeShong’s voice there are numerous DVD’s that feature her versatility. She is featured on “Lucrezia Borgia” alongside Renée Fleming from the San Francisco Opera, the Met’s HD productions of “La Rondine” and “The Enchanted Island,” and a Chandos release of Handel’s “Messiah.”