Martina Arroyo, 1936–2026

The Metropolitan Opera mourns the death of Martina Arroyo, whose rich, shining soprano was heard in 200 performances in 20 seasons. At a very young age, she won the Met Auditions of the Air in 1958 and then made her official company debut as the Celestial Voice in Verdi’s Don Carlo the following year. For three seasons, she sang supporting roles, but after a two-season hiatus while she established a European career, Arroyo returned to the Met to sing lead roles, including the title character of Verdi’s Aida in 1965 (stepping in on short notice; pictured above), which would become her most frequent part at the Met. Her large colorful voice was especially well suited to Verdi heroines, including Leonora in both Il Trovatore and La Forza del Destino, Amelia in Un Ballo in Maschera, Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, Elvira in Ernani, and Elisabetta di Valois in Don Carlo. She also had notable success in the title roles of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Ponchielli’s La Gioconda, as well as in more unexpected repertory such as Donna Anna in Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Elsa in Wagner’s Lohengrin.

Known for her ebullient personality and sparkling sense of humor, Arroyo was a popular member of our company. After her final performances in 1986, she remained a friend of the Met, sharing her artistry with many young singers as a teacher and frequently attending performances. We remember her superb artistry and personal warmth, and we offer our sincere condolences to her family, friends, students, and many admirers.

As Elisabetta di Valois in Verdi's Don Carlo, 1971, by Louis Mélançon

As Donna Anna in Mozart's Don Giovanni, 1968, by Louis Mélançon

As Leonora in Verdi's Il Trovatore, by Louis Mélançon

As Cio-Cio-San in Puccini's Madama Butterfly, 1965, by Louis Mélançon

As Lady Macbeth in Verdi's Macbeth, 1973, by Louis Mélançon