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SYMPHONY IN STYLE X THE MET OPERA ORCHESTRA
November Capsule Spotlight
This capsule celebrates the rhythm of duality — where artistry meets movement, and elegance meets the everyday. Inspired by the women of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, this collection honors the grace, strength, and balance it takes to live a life in perpetual motion — between the stage and the city, rehearsals and home, the physical and the poetic.
Through timeless tailoring, ease of wear, and modern femininity, Marcella and the Met’s musicians together explore what it means to perform — not just under the lights, but in every moment of life. These are women who live their art, who embody harmony through craft, and who remind us that style, like music, is both discipline and freedom.
Tell us a little about yourself!
“I’m Sarah, a classical violinist based in New York City, where I play with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and balance life as a musician and mom.” — Sarah Vonsattel
“I’m Qianwen, a violinist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. I was born in China and came to the U.S. to study music — now I get to make music every day with amazing people.” — Qianwen Shen
“I’m Mary, a violist with the Met Opera Orchestra. I’ve been here for over thirty years, and I still love how this huge group of musicians can work as one organism.” — Mary Hammann
“I’m Kari, a cellist with the Met Opera Orchestra. I started playing when I was two and a half, so honestly, I don’t remember a time when music wasn’t part of my life.” — Kari Jane Docter
“Hi, I’m Kat — a violinist, mom, and entrepreneur. I’ve been with the Met Opera Orchestra for 25 years, and I spend my days switching between rehearsals, kids, and meetings.” — Katherine Fong
When did you first start playing your instrument of choice? What was your initial interest?
“I started studying the violin at the age of four. My parents are musicians and music teachers, so there was always music in our home. My grandmother was a violinist, which inspired me.” — Sarah Vonsattel
“I started at age two and a half. My siblings played violin, and their teacher said, ‘start her now!’ I’m so glad I did — I don’t remember a time when music wasn’t part of my life.” — Kari Jane Docter
“I come from a family of five girls and we all played string instruments. I wanted to be different, so I chose the viola — I wasn’t even sure what it sounded like when I picked it!” — Mary Hammann
Did you ever aspire to join the Met Opera Orchestra, or did it evolve as you played?
“The first time I went to the Met, I was a grad student at Juilliard. The performance was Tannhäuser, and I was enchanted by the orchestra — I knew right then that THIS was where I wanted to be.” — Sarah Vonsattel
“When I graduated Juilliard, I told myself I’d only move back to New York if I got a job at the Met. It took nine years, but I eventually did.” — Kari Jane Docter
“I took the Met audition because I wanted to keep living in New York. After I got the job, opera entered my bloodstream — I love it.” — Mary Hammann
Can you tell us what a typical show run would be like for you?
“At any one time, between what’s in rehearsal and what we’re performing, we have six to seven operas in our fingers. It’s a very busy schedule — much more demanding than a regular symphony job.” — Mary Hammann
“Our shows usually start around 7:30 or 8pm. My night begins with dinner for my kids, then I get ready, warm up, and take the subway to work.” — Katherine Fong
“We have rehearsals during the day, then turn around and come back for shows in the evenings. Some operas are four, five, even six hours long — so comfortable clothing is essential!” — Kari Jane Docterelevates the brand image. It’s a balance.
“First and foremost, it’s the music, which has the power to transcend daily life. Making that music with so many talented people — it’s a thrill every day.” — Kari Jane Docter”
What is your favorite part of being a part of the Met Opera Orchestra?
“It’s amazing how this huge group of musicians can work as one organism. At the drop of a hat, we can follow a singer’s whim in perfect sync.” — Mary Hammann
“My favorite thing is my wonderful colleagues. They’re incredible musicians and genuinely kind people — it feels like being part of a big family.” — Qianwen Shen
“First and foremost, it’s the music, which has the power to transcend daily life. Making that music with so many talented people — it’s a thrill every day.” — Kari Jane Docter
How does style impact your work in the Met Opera Orchestra? How does it influence your lifestyle in this line of work?
“I spend so much time with the viola under my chin, my style has been shaped by the physical demands of my work. I love how Marcella balances casual and elegant in one piece of clothing.” — Mary Hammann
“I like clothes that I can move easily in because my job is very physical. My personal aesthetic is simple and elegant — clothes that fit well, feel good, and move with me.” — Sarah Vonsattel
“I’m constantly switching gears — violinist, mom, entrepreneur — so I need clothes that transition easily. Marcella is perfect because it’s elegant, comfortable, and versatile.” — Katherine Fong
“I’m constantly switching gears — violinist, mom, entrepreneur — so I need clothes that transition easily. Marcella is perfect because it’s elegant, comfortable, and versatile.” — Katherine Fong
What is your favorite piece from your Marcella Capsule?
“It’s hard to choose just one, but the Whitney Jumpsuit is probably my favorite, because it is an incredibly versatile piece. I can pair it with the Olympia Bolero for a formal, performance look, but when I’m not performing, I can also wear it with a sweater, jacket, or on its own with an interesting necklace or earrings. This jumpsuit is also the perfect travel piece, because it doesn’t wrinkle, and it can be used in so many different ways. And of course, it is incredibly comfortable and easy to move in, which is really important to me, whether I am onstage, or just out and about!” — Sarah Vonsattel
“My favorite piece from Marcella is the Georgia Pants I’m wearing right now. They’re so chic and comfortable — I feel like I could wear them all the time! You can easily dress them up or down: I can wear them on stage for a performance, or throw on a jean jacket and head out with friends.”— Qianwen Shen
“The Georgia Pants and the Whitney Jumpsuit. But I LOVE the snuggly sweaters — they’re just not everyday material for my wardrobe.” — Mary Hammann
“Hard to choose just one! I love the Cooper Top, which is beautifully cut, but also has the long arms and thumb holes. I often get cold hands, and I obviously can’t wear any kind of glove while playing, so this helps to keep the hands as warm as possible! And I see many more that could be amazingly perfect for me too, like the Waverly Pants, which would add absolutely perfect style to any cellist’s wardrobe.” — KARI JANE DOCTER
“I think I like the Olympia Bolero the best, as it can elevate my black tank top that I’ve been momming in all day into perfect elegant orchestra concert attire.” — Katherine Fong
1 comment
Just wanted to say I loved this content about the Met musicians! I am a professional musician myself and I heard about this brand from other musicians. I LOVE the pieces I’ve gotten from Marcella, and I get lots of compliments on my concert wear all the time. I love this brand because it’s comfortable, doesn’t get too hot, reacts well to sweat and movement. I know “Classical musican” clientele is probably a small, niche audience, but I wanted to let you know that I felt very seen by this :)
Corinne Judd
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