(Credit: Ken Howard / Met Opera)

This week, the Metropolitan Opera will premiere a new production of Verdi’s “Aida” after 36 years. Michael Mayer’s new production will replace Sonja Frisell’s legendary production and with it, the Met has lined up one of the most anticipated Aida’s of her generation, Angel Blue.

Over the past seasons, the Met has been preparing audiences for Blue’s Met role debut showcasing her in countless new productions and HD performances, including the new “Aindadamar” and “Fire Shut up in My Bones.” Now its time for the Verdi classic. Blue first sang the role at the Detroit Opera in concert form and later brought it to the Royal Opera House where she received raves. OperaWire said, “Angel Blue took on the title role of Aida. Vocally there was a bright, gilded edge to the sound; this brought an urgency and intensity to the character, and a palpable sense of desperation. It also meant that Blue had little difficulty clearing the orchestra in the biggest climaxes.”

While she has been seen as the successor to Leontyne Price, one of the most iconic interpreters of the role, Blue has noted, “I don’t think I’m the next Leontyne Price, but I’ve definitely looked at her my whole life as an example of someone to model myself after.”

For audiences not in New York for the momentous occasion, the soprano’s Aida will be broadcast live in HD. She will also return to the Bayerische Staatsoper and will make her highly anticipated debut at the Arena di Verona.

You can also read our latest interview with the soprano here.

Recordings

For audiences interested in listening to Blue’s voice, you can hear her recordings of “Fire Shut up in My Bones” and “Porgy and Bess,” for which she won two Grammys.

Here is a preview of “Aida” from the Metropolitan Opera.