From the first note of “The Star-Spangled Banner” to a radiant final flourish, the rising soprano transformed the iconic Los Angeles arena into a stage of uncommon beauty.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 03-31-2026
At Crypto.com Arena on March 30, 2026, moments before tip-off between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Wizards, the familiar ritual of the national anthem took on a rare sense of occasion. In a setting more often defined by roaring crowds and high-octane entertainment, soprano Golda Zahra delivered a performance that transcended expectations, bringing a lovely artistry to a stage that rarely features true operatic expression.
From her first note, Zahra established a tone of control and clarity that immediately distinguished her approach. Too often, arena anthems lean on volume over control, mistaking force for feeling. In contrast, Zahra chose precision. Her phrasing was deliberate, her breath control impeccable, and her tone — true to her reputation — carried a luminous, almost crystalline quality that filled the arena without force. The result was not just a performance, but a recalibration of what the anthem can be in a space defined by scale and noise.
A rising presence in the opera world, Zahra’s voice possesses both warmth and power, with a striking upper register she uses with grace rather than showmanship. Each note feels earned, carefully shaped, and rooted in a deep respect for the music. Instead of bending the anthem to fit her voice, she lets her technique serve the composition, revealing its emotional structure with notable clarity.
The audience, initially restless in anticipation of the game, fell into an unexpected stillness. As Zahra sang, the crowd turned as one toward the American flag suspended in the arena’s banners, hands pressed to their hearts. In that moment, the spectacle of sport gave way to something more reverent.
Indeed, in that space, Zahra followed the path of her precursors — she commanded focus without demanding it. By the time she reached the anthem’s final phrase, her high notes soared effortlessly, resonating through the arena with both authority and grace. The response was immediate and heartfelt, a recognition that something extraordinary had just happened.
Reflecting on the experience, Zahra shared, “As a native Angeleno, I grew up loving the Lakers, and to sing the national anthem was thrilling and a dream come true.” That sense of personal connection was clear throughout her performance, giving it an authenticity that elevated it beyond just technical excellence.
With an upcoming appearance at the 70th Viennese Opera Ball in New York City, Zahra continues to build her momentum internationally. However, on this night in Los Angeles, she achieved something just as meaningful—raising the bar for what the national anthem can be in a space built for spectacle. In singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” she reminded a packed arena that even in the world of sports, there is still room for genuine musical inspiration.
Photos Courtesy of the Artist’s Management
