(Credit: Ken Howard / Met Opera)

On Sept. 23, the Metropolitan Opera will open its 2024-25 season. The season opening is always one of the most glamorous events of the opera season on a worldwide scale. And to commemorate the occasion this year, the company will present Jeanine Tesori’s “Grounded” to the legendary stage for the first time with an acclaimed cast of acclaimed singers. The headliner among them is Canadian mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo, who has forged one of the most unique careers in recent years.

D’Angelo will be the lead role of Jess, which she created in 2023 at the Washington National Opera. When the opera world premiered, the mezzo received rave reviews, with critics stating, “The many powerful qualities of her radiant voice incarnated the various sides of the character” and she brings “sensitivity” to the character.

Now she returns to the role in her first lead role at the Met. The mezzo, who made her debut with the company in 2018, has been seen in productions of “Die Zauberflöte,” “La Clemenza di Tito,” “Dialogues des Carmélites,” and “Cendrillon.”

For audiences not able to attend the opening, the opera will be transmitted in Times Square and will later be seen as part of the Live in HD series. Meanwhile, audiences not in New York can see D’Angelo in Berlin in productions of “Idomeneo” and “Der Rosenkavalier,” as well as to the Wiener Staatsoper for “Don Giovanni” and “Così fan tutte.” She also returns to the Met in the spring for “Le Nozze di Figaro.”

Recordings

For further discovery of D’Angelo’s dynamic career, turn to her albums “Enargeia” and “Freezing” for Deustche Grammophon which juxtapose classics with modern composers.

Here is a preview of “Grounded” from the Met.