A 14-stone world-famous soprano has claimed she was not considered for leading opera roles because she was ‘too fat’.
Lisette Oropesa, 34, said casting directors of some shows would not consider her because of the ‘way she looked’.
The Cuban-American singer, who was born in New Orleans, has now criticised those who wanted the audience to ‘listen with their eyes’.
She was 14st 13lbs at her heaviest and now takes part in an exercise regime to maintain a healthy weight.
Lisette Oropesa (left singing at the Metropolitan Opera House in 2005 and right in New York City in 2008) said she regularly exercises after she weighed more than 14st
The top soprano (pictured performing at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City in 2012) is now a keen marathon runner
Ms Oropesa can sing in her native Spanish and English and has also performed in Italian, French and German.
During an interview with classical music website Bachtrack, she said people used to look at her photograph and say ‘no, too fat’.
She said: ‘There are roles I wasn’t even considered for because of the way I looked.
‘People listen with their eyes. If they see a young, gorgeous woman, they’re going to want her to sing those pretty bel canto roles even if the voice doesn’t match.
‘I have such an issue with that. If they see someone is large, they assume he’s a Falstaff and not a Don Giovanni.’
She added: ‘Someone would look at my photograph and say, ‘No. Too fat!’ It ain’t right but it’s life.
‘It’s not just casting directors, it’s critics and audience members too. Everyone’s a critic now. Anyone can write a blog. You don’t have to have any qualifications.’
She is now a keen marathon runner and vegan and performed at the Royal Opera House in London last year.
Ms Oropesa (performing at the Royal Opera House in London in October 2017) said casting directors used to look at her photograph and say ‘no, too fat’
Ms Oropesa (left at Central Park SummerStage in New York City in 2009 and right at New York City’s Alice Tully Hall in 2016 can sing in her native Spanish and English and has also performed in Italian, French and German
Ms Oropesa said that exercising has helped her with her performances and is pleased that she is in ‘good cardiovascular shape’.
She added: ‘Running has helped me a lot with breath control and stamina. I run a lot now… I’ve always been a goodie goodie.
‘Sometimes directors will ask you to do something exhausting like climbing the stairs while singing a phrase, that makes your heart rate increase which, if you’re trying to sing at the same time, your breathing will be compromised.’