The Met Opera's 'Le Nozze di Figaro' Star Federica Lombardi Talks Travel and Opera
Evan Zimmerman/ Met Opera
Italian soprano Federica Lombardi stars as Countess Almaviva in the Metropolitan Opera's 'Le Nozze di Figaro' , streaming Live in HD to cinemas around the world on Saturday, April 26 at 1PM ET.
Hailing from Cesena, Italy, located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Federica made her Met debut as Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni in 2019. Currently praised as one of the most sought-after Mozartians, she is right at home singing in Le Nozze di Figaro at the Met.
At the Met, Federica has also performed as Musetta and Mimì in La Bohème, Elettra in Idomeneo, and Donna Anna in Don Giovanni.
In February of 2025, Federica took on the title role in Vienna's new production of Norma. Next season at the Met, she will return to again sing the role of Donna Anna in Don Giovanni.
I interviewed the Mozart-pro recently about her favorite spot in Rome, her pre-performance ritual, and more, below.
My favorite opera that's not my own is…
'Tosca.' It has everything! Drama, passion, and Puccini's music is glorious! 'Not my own' for now…I would love to be Tosca one day!
My pre-performance ritual is…
I need a few minutes completely alone. I breathe, I focus, and I remind myself why I love this so much.
After a performance, I…
Take off my makeup as fast as I can, change into something cozy, and eat something good!
My favorite kind of operagoer (does what)…
Listens with their heart. You can feel when someone is really, truly present—it gives you energy on stage.
The best piece of career advice I've gotten is…
'Never settle.' Always keep growing, and remember to keep learning. Remind yourself that there is no finish line in this career.
Get the most out of an opera by…
Listening with your ears and your eyes. Watch the singers' faces, the small gestures, the atmosphere —opera is theatre, just get completely involved.
My must-have travel item is…
My humidifier! It saves my voice when it's too dry.
My preferred way to destress is to…
Take a long walk, ideally in nature or a quiet city street, with good music in my ears.
The destination I love to travel to most for work is…
Vienna! There is a special magic in the air there. Vienna has such tradition and beauty. Also New York of course! The Met is something unique to me, I love the atmosphere in the theater. It's an extremely professional experience and the audience is amazing!
My favorite travel destination for vacation, not work is…
Anywhere by the sea in Italy. I need sun, good food, and the sound of waves.
My favorite restaurant is…where I can find a good pizza!
My favorite spot in Rome is…
The Orange Garden, located on the Aventine Hill. It has amazing views, and that silence—pure magic.
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