Hayden native Madison Leonard is in the house

A rising opera star has come home.

Madison Leonard, a 2010 Coeur d’Alene High School graduate, will perform Sept. 21 in Spokane in Mozart’s most popular opera, “The Marriage of Figaro,” presented by Inland Northwest Opera. She will play the role of Susanna.

The soprano earned national acclaim earlier this year as a 2018 Grand Finals Winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Her “bright, dexterous voice and sassy charm” were praised by New York Times classical music critic Anthony Tommasini.

Because her career usually involves traveling alone, performing this month at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox in Spokane is a rare opportunity for Leonard to do what she loves in a familiar setting.

“To be in my hometown, surrounded by friends and family, is a real treat,” she said.

Leonard’s first experience with opera was a field trip to North Idaho College, where she saw a production of “Madame Butterfly.” She said she remembers being astonished the performers did not use microphones.

Though Leonard performed in local musical theater from a young age and played the piano and cello through high school, she didn’t rediscover opera until college. She received her bachelor’s degree at Pepperdine University and her master’s at Northwestern.

“I was reintroduced by a great voice teacher who was a wonderful opera singer in his day,” she said. “He showed me the ropes.”

These days, Leonard’s career combines many of her passions: music, language, travel, drama, history. It’s a lifestyle she couldn’t have imagined for herself as a young student, watching “Madame Butterfly” for the first time at Schuler Performing Arts Center.

“I can’t imagine it any other way now,” she said.

While opera has a reputation as a “stuffy, archaic art form,” Leonard said, she believes that stereotype doesn’t reflect the truth. The stories, emotions and themes explored through opera are timeless, she said. Operas written centuries ago are still relevant today, because they express some essential aspect of the human condition.

To Leonard, it’s a privilege to share the art form with modern audiences.

“Our goal as artists is to use stories and incredible music to create connections between people,” she said.

“The Marriage of Figaro” in particular is a delight to perform, she said, because of the “tight-knit ensemble work.” In this production, Leonard is often singing with multiple people while many plot points come into play.

Leonard said she encourages anyone who has never experienced opera to see “The Marriage of Figaro.” The comic opera follows the servants Figaro and Susanna as they attempt to outwit their arrogant employer and succeed in getting married.

“It’s funny and relatable and warm-hearted,” she said. “If you’ve never taken a chance to go to the opera, this is the one.”

Madison Leonard will perform in “The Marriage of Figaro” at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox in Spokane on Friday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. The opera will be sung in Italian with English subtitles. Special ticket rates are available for students and children.

Tickets may be purchased with personalized service at the Box Office of Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 West Sprague Avenue, or by calling 509-624-1200. They are also available online at foxtheaterspokane.org or any Tickets West.