Elizabeth Hanje: Rising Star in Met Opera Finals

0:00It's March 16th, here's your Birmingham news in two minutes. A 23-year-old soprano from Bestavia Hills, named Elizabeth Hanjay, has reached the grand finals of the Metropolitan Opera Lafonte competition. She's one of only 10 finalists chosen for more than 1,400 applicants across the U.S. This top program spots talented young singers and helps build their careers. Hanjay studied at Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio, the nation's oldest, and earned her Bachelor of Music degree in 2024. Her voice coach praised how fast she advanced, dominating state and regional contests right from the start. Meanwhile, the Houston Grand Opera team calls her a standout emerging talent with a strong voice and sharp musical sense. They won her over last year, with the first place win in their main Aria competition, landing her in their Elite Studio program. She's already sung key roles there in shows by Porgy and Bess, Suwar Angelica, Silent Night, Enhancel and Gretel.

1:01Just recently, she earned the Top Apprentice Award at the Santa Fe Opera's 2025 program for singers. Hanjay takes the stage for the finals this Sunday, March 22nd, at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Keep an eye on this rising star as she competes for Opera's biggest break, D&N is sponsored by our partner, Comfort. You can hear. Sound you can relax into, S-O-L-L-I, soleypillo.com.