Angel Blue, an acclaimed American soprano, is set to grace the stage of the Metropolitan Opera for its first new production of Verdi’s “Aida” in 36 years. At 40 years old, Blue made her Met debut in 2017 as Mimi in Puccini’s “La Bohème” and has since established herself as a prominent figure at the opera house, participating in multiple opening nights and portraying the lead role in Osvaldo Golijov’s “Ainadamar” this fall.
The role of Aida, the enslaved Ethiopian princess caught in a love triangle with an Egyptian warrior and her native land, is a demanding one that showcases the top tier of Verdi’s vocal artistry. The character necessitates a unique blend of vocal strength and flexibility, along with the ability to deliver long, expressive phrases, all while embodying a deep emotional journey.
For Blue, taking on this historic role carries significant weight, especially given the legacy of Leontyne Price, who first performed Aida at the Met in 1961 and continued until her retirement in 1985. In reflecting on this heritage, Blue mentioned, “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.” She acknowledged the intimidation that can arise from the giants of the past, yet feels empowered by their influence: “But when it’s somebody who I look up to, I feel like, OK it’s my turn. Thank you so much, it’s because of you I’m here.”
The opening night is scheduled for New Year’s Eve and will feature an impressive cast, including tenor Piotr Beczala as Radames, mezzo Judit Kutasi portraying Amneris, and baritone Quinn Kelsey as Amonasro, with music direction by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. This special performance will also be broadcast live in HD on January 25 to cinemas worldwide.
Though Blue was just an infant when Price concluded her Met career, her father—a classically trained gospel singer and pastor—adored Price and believed that Blue would follow in her footsteps. He reportedly expressed this belief shortly after her birth, stating that she would one day be “the next Leontyne Price.” “My beautiful dad, he was just enamored of her,” Blue recalled fondly.
Raised in Southern California as one of five children, Blue developed her singing abilities in church and pursued studies in voice and piano during high school. She also participated in various beauty pageants, using her winnings to finance her musical education. Her passion for opera ignited at age 4 when her father took her to a concert performance of Puccini’s “Turandot.”
While Blue has sung “Aida” in a concert setting in Detroit, her only prior full staged performances occurred last year at the Royal Opera House in London. Critics responded favorably, noting her potential while observing areas for growth. One noted that “Sometimes Blue’s tone frays under pressure,” but acknowledged her heartfelt interpretation as Aida, remarking that “This gutsy Aida will grow in authority.”
Mark Elder, who conducted her in London, mentioned that Blue approached her study of the role with diligence and commitment. Elder noted, “To express everything the music demands of her is by far the hardest thing that she’s probably ever had to do,” yet he believed she was well-suited for the role and would continue to grow within it.
Director Michael Mayer praised Blue’s skillful embodiment of Aida’s inner conflicts, stating that her sympathetic portrayal reveals the character’s struggles without overt theatricality. “She has the thought, and we see it,” Mayer noted. “She’s a gentle soul, but then she opens up and you hear this magnificent voice.”
This opening night will carry an emotional significance for Blue, as it coincides with the 18th anniversary of her father’s passing. Her mother and brother plan to attend, along with other family members who will join for a later performance. “I feel like a boxer at the side of the ring, and I have these gloves on that say ‘AIDA,’” Blue shared about her preparation. “People are giving me water, patting me down and saying, ‘Angel, you’ve got this. You can do it!’”
