I find it unfathomable that Frederica Von Stade is 81 years old, for to me she is eternally 31.

For me – sheer fun and joy.

Irina Arkhipova gives a masterclass in singing in this thrilling excerpt from The Maid of Orleans by Tchaikovsky.

And then I remembered how much I love Cecilia Bartoli who was a major star when I first got into opera in my teens and remains so today.

Who knew that Giulietta Simionato was so excellent in the Rossini coloratura repertoire?

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson’s performance of “As with rosy steps the morn” from Handel’s Theodora is a masterclass in the confidence to simply hold space.

Seeing and hearing Lorraine Hunt Lieberson sing Didon at the Met was one of the greatest performances in my many years of opera going.

One mezzo I have always enjoyed was Elena Obraztsova.

I’ve been an Elena Obraztsova superfan since I was 16.

Brigitte Fassbaender tears through the role like no other.

Most stunning mezzo performance in the premiere of an opera at the Met.