Lyric-coloratura soprano Isabel Merat is pursuing a Master of Music degree in Voice and Opera at New England Conservatory. She graduated from Oberlin Conservatory where she received her Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance. 

 

During ​Isabel's first year at NEC, she performed opera scenes with NEC's Graduate Opera Department, portraying the roles of Adina in Donizetti's L'Elisir D'Amore and Bystrouška in Janáček's The Cunning Little Vixen. In the fall, she performed the role of Rose in John Musto's Opera Later The Same Evening with NEC Opera and NEC Philharmonia, directed by Joshua Major and conducted by Robert Tweten. Isabel is a member of NEC's Song Lab, which focuses on the performance and study of Art Song repertoire. In Song Lab, she has had opportunities to perform in Masterclasses with Graham Johnson and Dawn Upshaw.

 

Isabel performed the title role in Monteverdi's L'Orfeo with Oberlin Opera Theater, directed by Stephanie Havey and conducted by Christian Capocaccia. She also performed in Oberlin's annual Danenberg Honors Recital, which was aired this past year on WQXR's Young Artist Showcase. In Oberlin's Opera Scenes Program, Isabel portrayed the role of Anne in Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress and La Ciesca in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi, both directed by Stephanie Havey.  She also sang the role of Lieschen in Bach's Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht, BWV 211, directed by Rebecca Landell Reed and Dr. Kyung-Eun Na. In the Fall of 2023, Isabel sang in masterclass with Composer Jake Heggie, and performed in a concert of his art songs and arias. She also sang in masterclass with Melissa Wegner, the Executive Director of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program and Laffont Competition at The Metropolitan Opera.  ​

 

In addition to performing, Isabel is passionate about behind-the scenes-work, arts administration, and music teaching. Isabel serves as Administrative Intern of Bloch Performing Arts, sings as a Choral Fellow at Old South Church in Boston, and is a Teaching Assistant in NEC's Voice for Non-Majors program.