WFMT Highlights Mozart's Idomeno in Artist's Choice Series

Met Opera Archive performance from 1986 chosen by mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Metropolitan Opera continues their Artist's Choice series, where leading opera stars choose performances from the Met Opera Archive to showcase. Today's featured performance is Mozart's Idomeno from February 15, 1986, selected by mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato to highlight the expressiveness of Frederica von Stade's singing. The recording also features David Rendall, Benita Valente, and Hildegard Behrens in other lead roles.

Why it matters

The Artist's Choice series provides a unique opportunity for opera fans to experience classic performances through the lens of today's top singers, offering fresh perspectives on timeless works. This particular production of Idomeno showcases the talents of several renowned vocalists from the 1980s.

The details

The Metropolitan Opera's Artist's Choice series allows current opera stars to curate and highlight memorable performances from the company's vast archive. For this episode, mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato selected a 1986 production of Mozart's Idomeno, featuring a standout performance by Frederica von Stade in the title role.

  • The performance of Idomeno was recorded on February 15, 1986.

The players

Joyce DiDonato

A renowned American mezzo-soprano who selected the 1986 Idomeno performance for the Artist's Choice series.

Frederica von Stade

An acclaimed American mezzo-soprano who performed the title role in the 1986 Idomeno production.

David Rendall

The American tenor who sang the role of Idomeneo in the 1986 performance.

Benita Valente

The American soprano who portrayed Ilia in the 1986 Idomeno recording.

Hildegard Behrens

The German soprano who sang the role of Elettra in the 1986 Idomeno production.

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What they’re saying

“The Metropolitan Opera continues their Artist's Choice series: a run of episodes chosen from the Met Opera Archive by some of today's leading opera stars.”

— Debra Lew Harder, WRTI On-Air Host (WFMT)

The takeaway

The Artist's Choice series at the Metropolitan Opera provides a unique opportunity for opera fans to experience classic productions through the lens of today's top singers, offering fresh perspectives on timeless works and showcasing the talents of renowned vocalists from the past.