Sripal Medara Metla, a student at DeWitt Perry MS, was recently cast as the Shepherd Boy in the Dallas Opera's upcoming production of Puccini's "Tosca." This will be Metla’s solo debut for the opera, as he performed in an ensemble during the 2022 show, Hansel and Gretel.

Metla first began Carnatic music training at the young age of four years-old. He is a classically trained treble singer from the Greater Dallas Choral Society and plays a variety of musical instruments such as piano, viola, marimba and guitar. Metla starred in multiple productions during his time at McCoy elementary and currently plays in the DeWitt Perry orchestra.

“We are so proud of Mr. Metla,” said Mark Rohwer, CFBISD director of fine arts. “The Dallas Opera is a world-class performing arts organization. It is fantastic that a CFBISD student was chosen to perform. What a great accomplishment for Mr. Metla.”

Giacomo Puccini's “Tosca” is a tragic, three-act opera that explores themes of love, passion, jealousy and political intrigue. It is one of the most popular operas in the world, and is regularly performed at opera houses around the globe.

The Dallas Opera's production of "Tosca" will run from October 13-23, 2023 at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the Winspear Opera House box office.