The night opera lost its queen — and found immortality.
This was one of the most emotional evenings in Met history—the night Leontyne Price bid farewell to opera. Aida is the role that inspired audiences around the world to acclaim her as the greatest Verdi soprano of her time. And this telecast shows why: the famous soaring phrases that seemed to never end, the shimmering top to her lustrous voice, undimmed by the years. But most of all, there is the ennobling heart and soul Price lavished on every performance—captured here forever. With James Levine conducting the Met orchestra, chorus, and ballet.
Acting
Price's farewell — every note a lifetime.
Direction
Brian Large captures the Met's golden age.
Production
Levine's orchestra plus Met chorus equals thunder.
Director
Brian Large
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Price was the first Black opera singer to achieve international superstardom, breaking the Met's color barrier in 1961. This 1985 farewell marked the end of an era for both opera and civil rights history.
She performed Aida 42 times at the Met — more than any other role. When she took her final bow, the ovation lasted 35 minutes. Thirty. Five. Minutes.
IT
