How far would you go to improve your chances in the music industry? Would you get on your knees and scrub floors just to be close to your dreams? If you were willing to take such a job, then you would be in good company. Anna Netrebko did just that.

On December 13th, the Celia Cruz Bronx High School journalism team got to meet the Russian diva and General Manager Peter Gelb in person at the Metropolitan Opera House. As I gathered information on Anna, I was amazed to learn that at my age she was so dedicated to her music. I admired Anna’s humble beginnings working in the halls of the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg to start her career. Now that I felt I was armed with all the facts about Anna, we headed for the Met. When we arrived at the Metropolitan our first order of business was to take a grand tour of the theater and all of its departments.

I learned from our tour guide that Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Opera House were built in the 1960s and that much of the complex was built below the streets of Manhattan. As we descended the stairs into the depths of the theater, the first thing I noticed was the long and twisted hallways that reminded me of an underground labyrinth where one could have easily been lost.

We continued through the maze of workshops where we were greeted by the sounds of hammering and the smell of wood. The workshops were busy with electricians and carpenters scurrying around building stage props that would then be dismantled and reassembled on the stage.

After leaving the workshops, we were led into the auditorium where we saw first hand a rehearsal of Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera. As the curtains drew I could feel excitement building as I sat watching and listening to these professional performers execute the music and dance with amazing precision. I was fascinated to see some of the props now fully assembled on the stage.

When the rehearsal ended we went backstage where we met lead performer and Italian opera star Salvatore Licitra. Mr. Licitra shared with us his passion about freedom of expression and how political pressures influenced the history of opera. He commented, “In modern day we do not have royal restrictions and have the independence to express what is truly felt in our art.” Mr. Licitra’s words of inspiration set the stage for the final business of the day, which was to meet Anna Netrebko and Peter Gelb.

Getting to meet Anna was the highlight of my day. When she entered the room you immediately felt her presence. Her easy-going personality and radiant smile made you believe that she had always been your best friend even though you just met her, and when she spoke her charming accent immediately put you at ease. Mr. Gelb hit the mark when he decided to set his goals on reaching out to younger audiences with Anna. She is an inspiration and the perfect role model for students of music to appreciate the artistry of opera.

On Thursday, December 13th, Long Island City High School’s journalism class and opera class went on a field trip to the Met. The purpose of the trip was to interview Anna Netrebko and Peter Gelb. We all went backstage through the whole Met and we were all able to meet Salvatore Licitra and saw him perform during his rehearsal of Verdis’ Un Ballo in Maschera. We learned some insightful things—like that everything being used in the operas, from the wardrobe to even the very last board on the floors, is made inside the Met. It’s one of those amazing once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you’d just wish you could do over and over again, it was just so intriguing. Once I saw the outcome of all the hard work and labor put into all of the productions (including Romeo and Juliet), I learned to appreciate the live HD opera event that took place at my school this last Saturday on December 15th. I can’t wait to see Hansel and Gretel. If you haven’t passed by and taken a glance at the amazing artwork that has been placed in the art gallery on the first floor, than you should really stop by and check it out. This whole week has been a learning experience, and I hope to encounter myself sharing my fun-filled learning experience with my peers live at the Met. I’m looking forward to buying tickets and watching Hansel and Gretel. Romeo and Juliet is a must see experience for audiences of all ages!

This season, the Met’s live HD transmissions will be shown not only in movie theaters around the world but also at schools in all five New York City boroughs, as part of the Met’s initiative to expand its educational outreach. Students from Long Island City High School in Queens and Celia Cruz Bronx High School will be sharing the excitement at their schools before, during and after this Saturday’s transmission on a new blog.

Check back soon for the first entries!