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Eleven years ago today, my grandfather, Reinhardt Elster, died at 101.

Reinhardt valued beauty, precision, sensitivity, and depth.

Flex for Grandpa. For nearly four decades, he was principal harpist at The Metropolitan Opera, playing beneath Pavarotti, Price, Sutherland, Domingo, and many others. He also played with Nat King Cole—you can hear him on the original 1948 recording of “The Christmas Song,” so please do think of him when you listen.

During the last three years of Rein’s life, we spent much time talking deeply about existence, and the shared sorrow we had endured. We reveled in listening to music and wrote a song together. He brought me and my family to Hansel and Gretel at @metopera followed by a behind-the-scenes tour where he rekindled relationships and reminisced.
We laughed about the absurdity and difficulty of being alive.

In our conversations, he listened carefully and spoke softly. I felt understood by him—a rare feeling for me in my lifetime.

Once, when he hadn’t heard from me in a couple of days, he said, “I just wanted to get in touch because we are so connected, and I don’t want to lose that connection.”
So pure. So honest.

I was with him during his peaceful final 48 hours. I played his favorite music, talked deeply about life, laughed and cried.

My heart broke when he died.
The lineage was gone.

Our memories sealed in my mind, alone.

As a kid me and my dad would meet Rein at his locker behind the orchestra pit.
Now when I see the Opera House
I no longer make that connection.
Time faded the connective tissue.

But, everyday I sit in his green recliner chair to tie the laces on my sneakers.

I’m not an organized religious person (neither was he), but when passing St. Patrick’s Cathedral, I was drawn inside and found myself lighting a candle in Reinhardt’s memory.

So on this day I keep his memory alive.
He was humble, but I know he would appreciate 🤍

I played his piano all morning.

Reinhardt Elster 1915-2016

A return to writing on ChannelELSTER.com
The film journal

#JenniferElster #nystories #MetOrchestra #musichistory #TheMet

His piano is now with me. It took six months to restore, and arrived in time to be played

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I learned to read so I would know which operas to see, do any of them have dogs??

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LAETITIA RUCCOLO | OPERAFFINITY FESTIVAL 2026

Applications are now open for the OperAffinity Young Artist Programme in Todi, Italy.

We are delighted to welcome acclaimed French-Italian pianist, vocal coach, and diction specialist Laetitia Ruccolo to the 2026 faculty.

Widely regarded as one of the most sought-after vocal and diction coaches in opera, Ruccolo works with leading opera companies, young artist programmes, and educational institutions across Europe and the United States. She is co-founder of Bare Opera in New York City and she has been on the faculty of several opera studios, like Mascarade Opera Studio, Weimar Lyric Opera Studio, Classic Lyric Arts.

Her extensive teaching experience includes masterclasses at renowned institutions such as Mannes College of Music, Manhattan School of Music, and Wellesley College, while her work with the Metropolitan Opera’s Education Department has seen her collaborate with distinguished artists and emerging singers alike.

An accomplished collaborative pianist, Ruccolo has performed internationally throughout France, Italy, England, Germany, Austria, Portugal, and Israel, appearing at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and the Metropolitan Opera Guild. A passionate advocate for art song, she has also worked alongside some of the world’s most respected singers and coaches at leading international programmes and festivals.

Highly respected for her expertise in languages, diction, and vocal coaching, Ruccolo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the next generation of opera artists.

✨ Young artists selected for OperAffinity 2026 will have the opportunity to work directly with her in an immersive training and performance environment in the heart of Italy.

📍 Todi, Umbria | 14–26 September 2026

Applications now open. Apply now — link in bio.

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✨Can’t believe we are already have had three performances of this beautiful opera with such an incredible cast. I have two more Liù’s left this season. I am having the best time with this cast. I’m curious how you all pronounce this opera 🤓.
This role is especially dear to my heart since my father taught me Signore, Ascolta when I was 16! I dedicate my performances in his memory. ✨

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A night at the opera! 😍🎶✨

#opera #themet #metropolitanopera #nyc #lincolncenter

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Hey @tchalamet! #openmouthinsertfoot

@metoperaactors @metoperaballet @metoperachorus @metoperastagehands @metoperascenicartists @metoperastagemanagers @metoperaed @metkids @metoperastagedirectors @metoperawam @metoperawardrobe @metropolitanoperacostumes @metorchestra @metoperamusicstaff @metoperayas @metoperahousemanagement @metoperaguild @lastnightatthemet @metoperacompetition @metoperashop @metoph@metopera #opera #metoperaactors #metactors #staffperformers

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Yesterday’s performance of Gershwin’s masterpiece, Porgy and Bess, was one of the most touching experiences I’ve had at @metopera. I was given the great gift of attending by my wonderful friend, @mizzjai11—it was the final show of the 2025-2026 run of the second and most recent MET production of the opera (I also had the honor of attending the premiere of the 1985 production).

The occasion was a powerful one, especially as a celebration of the legendary @gravesmontgomery’s final appearance at the MET as an iconic diva, in addition to a collectively magnificent performance—filled with friends—by the spectacular cast, chorus, conductor, orchestra, and the dance core, actors, and the entire company, with the crew and house team working overtime with a huge rotating set and so many gorgeous effects.

Ms. Graves—whom, ironically, having heard her so many times at The MET (I attended her debut as Carmen) throughout her 30+ -year career, I have never met in-person (before recent changes had everyone greeting singers they knew at the stage door; when we knew singers, we went backstage, so I never stood by the stage door after shows)—was so rightfully feted by The MET company after the intermission, with a standing ovation from the audience, the entire ensemble onstage cheering her on, and Mr. Gelb honoring her with loving words and presenting her with a plaque that will hang in List Hall (the home of the MET Quiz) in her honor, along with a stunning Swarovski crystal piece for her home—a “piece of The MET,” as Mr. Gelb said (like the Swarovski chandeliers). CONTINUED IN COMMENTS —>

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What a truly inspiring afternoon at the Met today! Not only did we say goodbye to Porgy and Bess for the season but we help shuttle our beloved @gravesmontgomery into retirement! What a lovely, incredible, talented soul. We have enjoyed getting to know her and her work through so many productions over the years. Thank you for the music! 🙏

XO, @metoperaactors

#porgyandbess #metoperaactors #metactors #staffperformers #denycegraves

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Dear Friends Last night on the 06th January I was a member of the audience at the MET opera and saw I PURITANI by V. Bellini with an incredible cast ♥️♥️♥️ My dear friend Lawrence Brownlee @brownleetenor was an incredible Arturo with a unique vocal technique singing the most difficult hair raising top notes with such ease, it reminded me of the good old days of dear Alfredo Kraus. Lisette Oropesa @lisetteoropesa was a beautiful Elvira with a very masterful technique and vocal force looking amazing and acting beautifully and all roles of the cast were really incredible in their roles, Artur Ruciński @arturrucinskibaritone was so unique and rare and a great stage presence, and Christian Van Horn @vanhorncvh with his rich Bass-Baritone voice that filled the house beautifully as well as his acting ability. A performance not to be missed by anyone living or visiting NYC. Most of all, I am proud of LB, my dear friend Lawrence Brownlee… Congratulations to the whole cast and the whole team. @metopera Marco Armigliato you were a true Magician! Thank you for always being such an incredible maestro!!! 🎶🎶🎶💙♥️

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THE STORY OF LOHENGRIN (1966)
Opera Stories for Young People
As retold by DORIS ORGEL
Illustrated by HERBERT DANSKA
Based on the opera by RICHARD WAGNER
In cooperation with the Metropolitan Opera Guild, Inc.

Other books in this series:
AIDA
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
THE LOVE FOR THREE ORANGES

#lohengrin
#operastories
#dorisorgel
#herbertdanska
#vtgchildrenbooks

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In gratitude for the wealth of joy, love, and opportunity that Porgy and Bess has brought to my life, I offer this Porgy Love Story. Beginning my career as the youngest member of a Porgy and Bess cast at the Met and now returning to witness a whole new generation begin their journeys is a gift. Be encouraged! So grateful!!! #operasingersofinstagram #tichinavaughn #porgyandbess #opera #blackoperasingers #classicalmusic #operalife #blackexcellence #metopera #godisgood #liveperformance #blessed #grateful

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🎭 Today. The Final Curtain of the Year.
Honored to be on stage at the Metropolitan Opera today as an Actor Revolutionary, standing alongside an extraordinary cast in Andrea Chénier.

This production is more than a performance — it’s history, passion, resistance, and humanity brought to life. To share the stage in the last show of the year at the Met is a moment I’ll carry with me. Grateful for the artistry, the energy, and the power of live opera.

Onward. ✊🏽🔥

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#AndreaChenier #MetOpera #MetropolitanOpera #OperaLife #OperaStage #LiveOpera #TheatreLife #ActorLife #Revolutionary #StageActor #PerformingArts #OperaCommunity #CurtainCall #LastShow #EndOfYearPerformance #RichardMcMiller #ArtistLife #StagePresence #ClassicalMusic #OperaLovers #TheatreCommunity #NYCArts #OnStage #ArtInAction #CreativeLife #HistoricStage #OperaCast #LivePerformance #ActorJourney

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