From Classroom To Curtain Call

Written on 11/04/2025

Adrian Apreza '26

Seniors Visit Metropolitan Opera House

Led by Mr. DiPietro (far right), Farrell students got the opportunity to take in an opera during a trip to the Metropolitan Opera House.

Senior Foreign Language Classes View An Opera at the Metropolitan Opera House

School trips can offer students the chance to immerse themselves in experiences beyond the classroom. As part of the first portion of senior year for students in senior foreign language courses, these students boarded coach buses for a journey to the Metropolitan Opera House to witness Giacomo Puccini’s masterwork, Turandot.

Upon arriving at the iconic venue, students were greeted by the striking architecture designed by Wallace K. Harrison. As they took in the marble floors, grand stairways, and bright chandeliers, it became clear they were in for a memorable experience.

The opera centers on Princess Turandot, who has sworn never to marry. Any man wishing to win her hand must first answer three riddles, or pay with his life. Enter Calaf, the love-stricken protagonist, who manages to solve the riddles. With the tables being turned, Calaf then issues the final challenge: if she can discover Calaf’s name, he will die; if not, she must marry him.

Ms. Guerriero (top, far left) and Mr. DiPietro (bottom, far left) sit with students in the Metropolitan Opera House seats.

Beyond the compelling story, the performance by a cast of talented vocalists left a lasting impression. The voices of Liudmyla Monastyrska, Christine Goerke, Roberto Alagna, and others soared throughout the opera house, filling the space without the aid of microphones, a fact proudly explained by the ushers, given the theater’s more than 3,800 seats.

Following the plot with the help of Met titles, the interplay between emotion and intellect becomes apparent. Princess Turandot wields her riddles as a means of control and punishment, while Calaf’s determination and passion drive him forward.

Ultimately, the opera showcases Puccini’s expertise as an early 20th-century Italian composer, skillfully blending Italian romanticism with Eastern musical motifs. His storytelling transforms a tale once filled with vengeance and death into one of redemption and rebirth, where love triumphs over all.

Students pose for a photo outside the Metropolitan Opera House.

This senior trip was more than just a field trip, it was a powerful introduction to the immersive world of the arts, especially for students studying foreign language. By experiencing the setting, the vocal artistry, and the timeless narrative firsthand, students engaged with a story that holds lessons for everyone.

The Lion is Monsignor Farrell's student digital newspaper. To read more articles from The Lion, click here.