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When he studied and performed in operas at Michigan State University, everyone around Brian Major could tell that he was a rising star. His dedication, determination, and tremendous baritone voice combined with a genuine kindness was evident, and it is why so many people are excited but not surprised that he is now singing on The Metropolitan Opera stage in New York.

Major made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Baron Douphol in Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata on October 25, and he can be heard in three remaining performances on November 12, 16, and 19. True to his training and professionalism, Major came to this place through focus and hard work.

“I was a last minute replacement for the lead role, Emile Griffith, in Champion by Terrence Blanchard at Boston Lyric Opera in May,” he explained. “There was rumor that The Met was coming to one of the shows because they are doing Champion spring 2023. I disregarded this and just focused on portraying this character wholeheartedly and to the best of my ability.”

As it turns out, the rumor was true. Representatives from The Met attended a performance, and after a glowing report Major received word from his manager with offers to perform in New York. 

“My reaction to it all was nonverbal,” Major said. “There was a rush of gratitude that left me speechless. All I could do was show the message to my wife who expressed my joy through her screams.”

Before long, Major was in New York beginning rehearsals. The Met has been dazzling audiences since it opened in 1883, and it is recognized as one of the premiere opera houses in the world. For someone new to the environment, the possibility of becoming overwhelmed is easy to imagine. 

“The Met is a big place. The first few days I got lost and had to ask for help numerous times,” Major said. “The rehearsal process was quick, so, think of it as being thrown in with wolves on day one and immediately having to play like you are a wolf, but your sheepish face is glowing under your mask. Everyone was so welcoming. They helped me feel comfortable and made the entire experience exhilarating. Watching my colleagues work is the best. It just makes me work harder.”

According to critics, Major’s work paid off. New York Classical Review said, “formidable in voice and stature was baritone Brian Major as Baron Douphol.” Opera News said, "Brian Major made a dashing debut as the Baron."

While working toward his DMA from MSU from 2016 to 2019, Major appeared in operas produced and directed by MSU Professor of Voice Melanie Helton. He played Count Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro and the title role in Gianni Schicchi. Helton and the entire Vocal Arts Area faculty at MSU played pivotal roles in Major’s studies, but his lead faculty mentor, Professor Mark Rucker, and accompanist and outreach director Sadie Rucker have become family.

“Outside of my wife and daughter, the Ruckers are my biggest fans. They have instilled in me the belief that I belong on stages like The Met and beyond. I have never known true mentorship until I met them. They give and give and ask for nothing in return,” Major said. “To say they are just mentors would be an understatement. They are family. Out of endearment my daughter has always called them Papa Mark and Mama Sadie. It has worn off on my wife and I, and so they are just Papa Mark and Mama Sadie to us all. I know I make them proud.”

Like others who have watched Major’s professional development, Mark Rucker was not surprised that Major is now on stage at The Met. He describes Major as one of the most dedicated singers he has known.

"I am not surprised that Brian is at The Met, however, it's never an easy accomplishment to make it to The Met stage. He is extremely deserving to be there, but being deserving is not always enough,” Rucker said. “As a student here at Michigan State University, he always showed a great desire to improve his already formidable vocal talents. My wife and I think of him and his wonderful wife as our children. We're just very happy to have played a small part in helping him achieve this important stage of his career, and we look forward to many more in his future."

For Major, his Met experiences so far seem unbelievable at times. He has gone through a range of emotions, but he has had instilled in him the confidence to believe supporters like the Ruckers who tell him this is only the beginning.

“It still is surreal that I have made my Met debut. The calm that I had in my initial reaction to finding out about making my debut has transitioned to a sense of belonging. My voice is now amongst so many others who have set foot on this stage,” Major said.  

“During my final week at MSU I went around to thank all my professors for sowing into my musical journey. Over and over again, I heard, ‘I know you will make us proud, and we'll see you on the biggest stages in the world, especially The Met.’ Here I am, at The Met! The fun has just begun.”