Opera’s Rising Star Fights Back After Being Fired Over High Notes Controversy

Let’s dissect this melodrama as if we’re at the opera ourselves, shall we? Anita Rachvelishvili, the self-proclaimed “best mezzo-soprano on the planet,” is making headlines not for her angelic voice but for the scandalous way her career at the Metropolitan Opera abruptly nosedived. In a shocking legal twist worthy of any riveting opera plot, Rachvelishvili has filed a lawsuit against the Met after they unceremoniously booted her from her contract, worth a whopping $400,000, citing a decline in her vocal quality. The audacity! This move came during her postpartum adjustment period after the birth of her daughter in November 2021, a time when many women are simply trying to master the art of sleep deprivation, let alone belt out high notes.

Rachvelishvili, who has graced the stage in iconic roles like “Carmen” and “Aida,” claims she was ready and willing to perform, regardless of her temporary vocal limitations. Instead of offering support, the Met chose to cancel her performances in January 2023, giving her the kind of exit that would make even a seasoned diva weep. It’s as if the opera house, renowned for its grandeur, forgot that artists are human too. This is not just a tale of a singer losing her gig; it raises significant questions about how the arts treat women, especially those who dare to juggle careers and motherhood.

In a further twist of irony, Rachvelishvili was once championed by the Met’s own Peter Gelb, who hailed her as a dramatic force of nature. And let’s not forget conductor Riccardo Muti’s glowing praise, declaring her the best Verdi mezzo-soprano alive. So, it’s safe to say that the Met had a serious talent on their hands—one they’ve now seemingly tossed aside without a second thought. After all that support during the pandemic, one would think they’d show a little compassion for a recovering artist.

Adding insult to injury, after initially agreeing to buy out Rachvelishvili’s contract, the Met allegedly backpedaled, leaving her in the lurch. What a plot twist for an institution that prides itself on artistic excellence! The American Guild of Musical Artists, her union, also failed to defend her, which is like sending a knight into battle without armor. Now, Rachvelishvili is seeking unspecified damages, and many are rooting for her comeback, which began in Naples, Italy, as she slowly but surely reclaims her rightful place on the stage.

So, let’s raise a glass—or a score sheet—to Rachvelishvili, who, despite the odds, is proving that even in opera, the show must go on. Class dismissed. Perhaps next time, the Met will think twice before pulling a diva’s contract.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, The New York Times
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed