Characteristically, I’m writing this somewhere ridiculous. This time, it’s on a plane from JFK to PHX, after a field trip to New York with the Arizona Opera Studio gang. Last night I had the pleasure of making my New York debut at the National Opera Center, where we performed a program of duets. It was definitely a delightful way to close out a season full of so many operatic gems.
And what a season it’s been! Since the previous blog entry, I’ve done runs of two roles that I hope to revisit many times for a very long time – Suzuki in Madama Butterfly and Tisbe in La Cenerentola. Two very different and very rewarding situations, and two rehearsal and performance processes that have taught me so much about every aspect of my craft.
This entire season at Arizona Opera has been nothing short of transformative. The experience I have received on and off the stage has been enormously helpful. There is nothing quite like having the opportunity to perform principal roles on a professional level, as well as various performances of solo and ensemble repertoire throughout an entire season. The AZO community is insanely supportive at every level, and the level of the work is truly inspiring.
So yeah, one could say I’ve enjoyed my season… It’s been an honor and a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful program at this wonderful company, and to spend time in the Arizona desert as well.
The desert is okay… (sunset view from Piestewa Peak, Phoenix)
I’m going to miss this crazy place very much, but there are some exciting things coming up next! In a couple of days, I’m going back to San Francisco for a minute, and I’ll be doing a few performances for Humanities West, singing some Handel and Scarlatti with the wonderful Sara Duchovnay.
After that, it’s back to the Santa Fe Opera for my second summer as an Apprentice Singer. I’m so excited to be making my mainstage debut in The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs! It’s been quite the experience workshopping this piece, and it will definitely be thrilling to be a part of the final product as well.
After that, I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Young Artist Program at Florida Grand Opera in the 2017-18 season. I’m very much looking forward to all of the performance opportunities there, and especially to my mainstage assignments – I will be singing the Page and covering Herodias in Salome, and performing the role of Paula in Florencia en el Amazonas.
So if you’re going to be in the Miami area (or if you’re not but you’re curious anyway) be sure to check the Calendar for performance details (to be updated as they appear).
Until then, here’s a video from the NYC recital. This is “Nuit paisible et sereine!” from Berlioz’ Béatrice et Bénédict, with soprano Katrina Galka and pianist Cody Martin.