LSU Alumna and Internationally Acclaimed Opera Star Returns to Campus
March 18, 2025
Internationally acclaimed soprano and LSU graduate Lisette Oropesa returned to campus last week for a special masterclass, where she shared her expertise and experiences with current students. Oropesa, who has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious opera stages, took time to sit down with the LSU School of Music prior to the masterclass to reflect on her journey, career milestones, and the wisdom she has gained along the way.
A Few Whirlwind Years in the Opera World
We last had you on campus for a masterclass late in 2023, and since then, you’ve been
incredibly busy! What are some of the exciting things you’ve been up to over the past
two years?
Lisette: Time has certainly flown by, and my schedule has been packed with incredible opportunities! I’ve made two major recordings—I Puritani, which is out now, and Lucia di Lammermoor, which will be released later this year. I’ve also performed Traviata in Vienna, Manon in Valencia, and debuted four major roles: Mathilde in Guillaume Tell, the title role in La Sonnambula, Maria Stuarda, and my production debut as Elvira in I Puritani.
Beyond opera, I’ve sung concerts with the Met Orchestra at Carnegie Hall and on their Asia tour. I’ve performed recitals at La Scala, Carnegie Hall, the Musikverein in Graz, the Hamburg Staatsoper, and the Grand Théâtre de Genève, among many others. I’ve also taught masterclasses in Banff, Canada, and Napoli, Italy—mentorship is something I truly love.
Lisette Oropesa works with 3rd year Bachelor of Music student, Rose Bubenzer during her recent masterclass at the LSU School of Music
Looking back on your career so far, what has been one of the most defining or memorable moments for you?
Lisette: With almost 20 years in this career, there have been so many highlights. I’ve made just about every dream debut I could have imagined—singing at the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, La Scala, Wiener Staatsoper, Opéra de Paris, and the Salzburger Festspiele, to name a few.
But if I had to pick one defining moment, it would be my recent run of I Puritani at the Opéra de Paris. That role has always been a challenge for me—I’ve had to cancel performances in the past due to illness. This time, I successfully completed all ten performances, and it was a tremendous success. That was a major personal and professional milestone for me.
LSU’s Impact, Returning to LSU, and Shaping the Next Generation
As an LSU alumna, what does it mean to you to return to campus and serve as a mentor
to students in a masterclass setting?
Lisette: I remember attending masterclasses with major singers when I was a student at LSU
Lisette Oropesa congratulates student Smarlensy Alténor on a job well-done during her recent masterclass on campus.
—Susan Graham’s visit particularly stood out to me. She was funny, charismatic, and gave us an honest look into the industry. Now, I get to return to the place where my journey began and connect with students in the same way.
I went straight from LSU to the Met, and my dreams followed an incredible path that started right here in Baton Rouge. It’s deeply meaningful to come back and offer guidance to the next generation of singers.
How did your time at LSU shape your journey as a professional opera singer?
Lisette: We had an incredible staff at the LSU School of Music when I attended there in the early 2000s. I had the privilege of getting to be in the top choral ensemble with Dr. Ken Fulton, I got to study theory and music history, languages (major part of an operatic career!) and of course, VOICE!. The foundation of music is so very important when you sing professionally, but there is more to an operatic performing career than just singing. You have to spend time onstage and I had several opportunities to be in numerous operas at LSU in both leading and supporting roles. I was able to perform scenes and give solo recitals. This set me up very well for beginnings in the Young Artist program at the Met, and further in my life as a professional.
You’ve performed in some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses–what has been a particularly special or challenging role for you?
Lisette: There have been so many challenging roles and nothing has been an easy breeze, I can tell you that! But I suppose any time I’ve had a last-minute call as a jump-in, it’s been extra challenging. My major role debut at the Met was one such example. I was covering and suddenly asked to sing the final dress rehearsal and a few performances. The only time I have ever sung that role previously was at LSU!
If you could give your college-aged self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Lisette: Stop eating junk food and learn to cook. You’re going to end up with reflux!
Finding Inspiration Beyond Music
Outside of singing and performing, what are some of your passions? How do they influence
and inspire your artistry?
Lisette: I truly love the outdoors and nature. I spend every possible moment that I have to spare enjoying activities like running, walking, and hiking. It’s essential for me to decompress from the stress of work along with the fatigue of performing and preparing. Being in nature reconnects me to what is important and what is inspiring. I do a lot of people-facing work and spend plenty of time behind a screen, so being off my phone and out running or walking makes me happy and brings me peace. It does make me a better artist because it helps to center me and give me time to think things through without pressure.
Lisette Oropesa after her recent masterclass at LSU's School of Music
What is your favorite place on LSU’s campus?
Lisette: I love the trees in front of the library. Once I saw an owl perched in a tree above me there.
We are incredibly grateful to Lisette Oropesa for taking the time to sit down with us and share her insights into the professional opera world, her personal growth, and her advice for the next generation of singers.
Throughout this conversation and her masterclass, it was clear that her passion for opera and mentorship is just as powerful as her voice. Her journey is proof that dedication, perseverance, self-care, and love for the art form can lead to extraordinary success.
As LSU students continue their own artistic paths, they can look to Lisette’s story for inspiration and take to heart the invaluable advice she shared—lessons that will stay with them as they step into their own futures.