New York, NY - October 25th, 2013 - Maria D’Amato, a member of the William Floyd High School Class of 1997 and a 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, has made her solo debut in the Metropolitan Opera production and United States premiere of Nico Muhly’s “Two Boys,” with a libretto by Craig Lucas. “Two Boys” is described as a “hauntingly beautiful and dramatically chilling new work, set in the shadowy realm of Internet chat rooms.”
“Although the production and subject matter are not traditional Met fare, it’s very exciting to be part of this new production,” said D’Amato, who plays the part of a suburban mom. “Two Boys” opened on Monday, October 21, and will be at the Metropolitan Opera for only six more performances – October 25; October 30; November 2, November 9; and November 14.
“Maria exemplifies all of the qualities of a Distinguished Alumna,” said Paul Casciano, Superintendent of Schools, William Floyd School District. “We are extremely proud of her and wish her continued success in her stage and singing career.”
D’Amato attended William Floyd schools from kindergarten through 12th grade and excelled both in and out of the classroom. While in high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society, was voted the homecoming queen and was a member of the band and chorus participating in All-County, All-State and All-Eastern choirs. She was active in the drama department and played leading roles in musicals throughout her academic career.
About Maria D’Amato
Soprano Maria D’Amato’s voice was described recently by Opera News as “beautifully floated” and “a gem” as Desdemona in this season’s “Otello” with the Sarasota Opera. She performed Mimì in Sarasota’s “La Bohéme” last season after her successful debut in the role with Dicapo Opera Theatre in New York City. Recent roles include Pamina in Sarasota Opera’s production of “Die Zauberflöte,” Thibault in “Don Carlos” and Berta in “Il barbiere di Siviglia.” Other roles include Despina in “Così fan tutte,” and Susanna in “Le Nozze di Figaro,” both performed with the Seattle Opera Young Artist Program; Nannetta in “Falstaff,” and Poppea and Drusilla in Monteverdi’s “L’incoronazione di Poppea,” all with Opera North, New Hampshire. Ms. D’Amato holds a BM from Boston University and an MM from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music (CCM), where she sang Despina (for which she won CCM’s Sam Adams Award for best operatic performance), Sarah Good in “The Crucible” and Molly Picon in the world premiere of Joel Hoffman’s “Memory Game.”