At the Metropolitan Opera of New York, an exhibition featuring the artist Aliza Nisenbaum has opened. One of the paintings displayed at the MetOpera includes the portrayal of the Albanian soprano, Ermonela Jaho.

“I am honored to be part of the exhibition, portraying the challenging and meaningful role of Violeta. Grateful to the artist and the theater for this special celebration marking my 310th performance as Violeta, the character who introduced me to the wonderful world of opera,” wrote soprano Jaho on social media.

The current exhibition at the Metropolitan Opera, curated by Met Gallery director Dodie Kazanjian, showcases four new paintings by Aliza Nisenbaum. These portraits include Nadine Sierra, Ermonela Jaho, and Angel Blue, all renowned for their portrayals of Violetta in La Verdi’s Traviata.

The three sopranos are exhibited in the Grand Tier, while a diptych portraying the unseen world behind the stage, comprising props, costumes, and the multitude of people involved such as stage crews, designers, makeup artists, and conductors; installed in the Dress Circle. This diptych offers insight into the intricate processes and the numerous individuals involved in making a production possible.

In creating the portraits of the divas, Nisenbaum dedicated time to each soprano, joining them during costume rehearsals, in their dressing rooms, and before their performances. The character of Violetta, known for being a woman filled with tension, is regarded as one of the most demanding roles in opera. The intimate portraits of these three stars showcase their distinct feelings, challenges, and individual approaches to portraying this character. Jaho, as indicated by the title of her portrait, has undertaken this role over 310 times, highlighting her extensive experience and familiarity with the character.

In Nisenbaum’s recent diptych paintings, the emphasis has been on group portraits. However, in this particular exhibition, she opted to spotlight the broader community within the opera house and its backstage realm. This choice pays tribute to the numerous individuals who operate behind the scenes, underscoring their indispensable role in creating the enchantment that unfolds each evening for the audience.

/m.ll/