Melanie Long

Hailed a “standout” by the New York Post, “easily switch- hitting from high coloratura to Broadway belt.” and praised by Opera News Magazine for her “comic perfection”, mezzo-soprano Melanie Long is increasingly known for her vocal prowess and powerful stage command.

Melanie returned to Des Moines Metro Opera this season to perform Petra in the Isaac Mizrahi production of Stephen Sondheim’sA Little Night Music. Des Moines Metro Opera is where she began her career in 2006 as Papagena in The Magic Flute. Other roles with the company include Oscar inUn Ballo in Mascheraand Ännchen inDer Freischütz.

In 2016 Melanie made her New York City Opera debut as Ava in a new production ofHopper’s Wifeby Stewart Wallace. She has since appeared with New York City Opera as Mercédès in their world tour of Bizet’sCarmen.

A former Opera Works artist at English National Opera, Melanie maintains a steady European presence, performing regularly in the UK. Edinburgh Festival Fringe appearances include the title role inMaria Stuarda,RosinainThe Barber of Sevilleand Dorabella inCosi fan tutti.2011-2012 marked Melanie’s UK debut when she performed Mercédès inCarmenwith Impact Opera’s notable touring production. Her performance was praised, “The supporting cast should not go unmentioned; incredibly talented, at times they almost steal the attention away from Carmen and Don José’s romance, particularly Melanie Long, whose mezzo-soprano voice goes beyond expectation and already sky-high standards.”

A devoted physical actor, dancer and yogi, Melanie’s athleticism is integral to all of her projects. She has collaborated physically and vocally for two installments of choreographer Darren Johnston’s contemporary virtual reality pieceZero Pointat the Barbican, London, and is the lead vocalist and artistic director for New York-Vienna based performance troupeThe Hot Box Girls.