Elizabeth Wohl, a Brattleboro soprano, will perform at Next Stage Arts in Putney on March 16, showcasing a unique blend of opera and aerial acrobatics. Her repertoire features pieces by Mozart, Gounod, Bizet, and Vermont composer Gwyneth Walker. Wohl brings her characters to life through dynamic performances, such as portraying Juliet from Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette” while suspended in mid-air, spinning and singing “Je Veux Vivre.” For Bizet’s “Habanera,” she utilizes rope, emphasizing the stronger persona of Carmen.

Described as “unique,” Wohl’s performances fuse vocal artistry with physical prowess, elevating both disciplines. With a background in singing and dancing, she shifted her focus to opera while attending Connecticut College, where collaboration between music, theater, and dance departments was limited. For a time, she pursued a law degree and currently serves as general counsel for the Brattleboro Retreat.

After discovering the New England Center for Circus Arts, Wohl was inspired to integrate aerial techniques into her operatic performances around 2015. Although she initially faced a lack of mentors in this niche genre, she recognized its potential to enhance the emotional expression of arias. The first piece she choreographed, “Je Veux Vivre,” aligns perfectly with Juliet’s youthful exuberance, allowing her movements to reflect the character’s feelings.

Since her debut in 2016, Wohl has developed a varied repertoire, honing her skills through rigorous practice, often singing while running or in her car. For the upcoming show, she will be accompanied by pianist Ivan Tan, with other singers joining her on the ground, enriching this innovative operatic experience.