Stoyanova and de León deliver gripping vocalism in Met’s “Aida”

The punishing role of Radamès is not an easy one for a debut, yet Jorge de León made an admirable first bow. “Celeste Aida” is about as cruel a start as exists in any major role, a demanding aria that marks the tenor’s first appearance onstage. De León’s rendition was a little blunt in its phrasing, but that he could produce so strong and ringing a sound right out of the gate was impressive nonetheless, ending the aria on a long, clarion B-flat. He tired noticeably as the night wore on, yet saved enough energy to give a passionate account of his final duet with Stoyanova, his shining tone mixing beautifully with her focused warmth.

Stoyanova and de León deliver gripping vocalism in Met’s “Aida”