The Metropolitan Opera has named Lisette Oropesa the 2019 recipient of the Beverly Sills Artist Award, just one month after the young soprano was announced as this year's Richard Tucker Award honoree. Both awards come with a $50,000 prize.
Oropesa, a Baton Rouge native, made her Met debut in Idomeneo in 2006, later taking on roles at the house in Le Nozze di Figaro, Rigoletto, Werther, and Falstaff. Other international credits include Lucia di Lammermoor in London and Madrid, Die Entführung aus dem Serail in Paris and Munich, and Rodelinda in Barcelona.
She will return to the Met in the 2019–2020 season for two title roles: Manon in the fall and, in the spring, La Traviata's Violetta.
“This award honors one of the great American icons of opera. Growing up, I idolized Beverly Sills for her lovable personality, her unmatched stage presence, and her extraordinary singing,.” Oropesa said. “I have the privilege of performing two of her most distinguished roles next season at the Met—may her inspiration live on for many more years to come.”
The award, now in its 14th year, aims to help fund resources for recipients' careers, including voice lessons and coaching, travel costs, and professional assistance.
