It has been three years since Lisette Oropesa last stepped on the Metropolitan Opera stage where she fostered the majority of her young career. For years since 2005 when she won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Oropesa was the go-to for numerous comprimario roles and supporting roles.

She sang such roles as Nanetta in “Falstaff,” Lay Sister in “Suor Angelica,” Susanna in “Le Nozze di Figaro,” and Madrigalist in “Manon Lescaut.” Her final appearance came in 2014 in the role of Sophie in “Werther” alongside Jonas Kaufmann and Sophie Koch.

This season, Oropesa returns to the stage in the role of Gretel in “Hansel and Gretel” in Richard Jones’ production. Her turn in the opera marks her role debut as Gretel. In many ways, the role is a full circle as Oropesa performed the opera when Jones’ production first premiered at the Met in 2007. However, back then the soprano portrayed the Dew Fairy.

Oropesa’s return comes after becoming a bonafide star around the world in many of the most prestigious theaters. She recently made her Royal Opera House debut in the title role of “Lucia di Lammermoor” and released her first solo album “Within/Without.” And once she completes her run as Gretel, she turns to the LA Opera for “Rigoletto” and “Orfeo and Eurydice” and the Teatro Real for more “Lucia di Lammermoor.” She also makes her role as Violetta in “La Traviata” at the Teatro La Fenice.

Recordings 

For those not familiar with the soprano, Oropesa recently released her first solo album “Within/Without” and is also featured on numerous DVDs from the Metropolitan Opera including “Falstaff,” “The Enchanted Island,” The Ring Cycle” “Manon Lescaut” and “La Rondine.” She also has a DVD recording of “Les Indes Galantes.”