Latter-day Saint Shines at the World’s Largest Opera House
For the past two years, Deborah (Debbie) Robertson has worked as a pianist and opera coach at the Metropolitan Opera in New York , the most prestigious and popular opera house in the world.
Debbie, a Missouri native, studied piano performance at Brigham Young University and earned a master’s degree in collaborative piano from Louisiana State University, as well as a diploma in opera conducting from the University of Cincinnati.
Although she doesn’t talk about her faith often in her professional life, her commitment to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t go unnoticed . Her colleagues are amazed at her consistency in attending meetings and serving in the Church despite her demanding schedule.
Credits: Debbie Robertson
One such moment occurred after an audition at Juilliard, right across the street from the stake center that shares a building with the Manhattan Temple. Instead of staying to talk with his team, she decided to immediately attend sacrament meeting.
My team was trying to call me to ask me about the audition, and I was like, I’m sorry, I can’t—I’m in church. And they laughed and were like, ‘How? It’s been like 30 seconds since you left this audition.
For Debbie, her commitment isn’t unique within her community. In Manhattan, she’s found members deeply dedicated to the gospel.
The people here have a special energy and focus.
Credits: Debbie Robertson
For Debbie, her commitment isn’t unique within her community.
She has met historians such as Claudia and Richard Bushman and the artist Walter Rane, who, despite their achievements, continue to serve the Church with humility.
Living in New York has also given her the opportunity to meet many missionaries and members from around the world.
I see the missionaries more than I’ve ever seen them anywhere—they do amazing work tracting in the streets and parks and subways.
Challenges in the industry
Credits: Debbie Robertson
Debbie has faced challenges unique to the opera world, such as performing in front of nearly 4,000 people.
Throughout her career, Debbie has faced challenges inherent in the opera world, such as performing in front of nearly 4,000 people. However, she believes that prayer, scripture study, and worship in church have helped her stay calm and give her best.
Jesus Christ has helped me in times when I thought I wouldn’t be enough, but somehow I am.
Debbie will complete her program with the Met and hopes to move to Germany.
The art world can be uncertain, but her gospel testimony has given her stability. “When I return to that knowledge, I can move forward with faith and know that everything will be okay and that the Lord has great plans,” she reflects.
This summer, Debbie will complete her program with the MET and hopes to move to Germany, a country with more than 80 opera houses. No matter where her career takes her, she trusts in the Lord’s guidance.
The Lord is someone I trust more than I trust myself. I can comfortably go on because I know that the Lord has a path for me and that He has helped me every step of the way. And I’m grateful for that.
Source: LDS Living
