The cast offered no talent on the level of DiDonato, but the singing rose above the humdrum.

NEWYORKER: Opera on the Plains

She began singing lessons at the age of 22, working her way up to conservatory level, then, a decade later, decided to dedicate her life to her passion for opera singing.

UNESCO: House | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Other casting choices have been more dubious, but singing at the Met remains at a generally high level.

NEWYORKER: Diminuendo