Ten Questions with...
1. My favorite thing about being a singer is:
I get to meet the most interesting and wonderful people in my
work! Particularly in opera, there are so many people that come together
to make a show come alive. I love the collaborative atmosphere of opera. So many people bring their amazing talents and creativity to the table,
and you end being proud of the finished product. There is a really
wonderful sense of community in the theatre.
2. The greatest
challenge in being a singer is:
I would say that the hardest part is the ability to multi-task.
Generally I am thinking of five things all at once when I am in the
rehearsal process. Learning and memorizing music is only just the first step.
In order to be an engaging performer, you also have to master the ability
to translate foreign languages, sing, act, and dance all while trying to keep
one eye on the conductor. By the time you reach the stage, all of these
aspects need to be fully integrated so that you can become the character you
are trying to convey to the audience. It's a challenge, but a really
great one.
3. A live music
performance I’ve attended that I will never forget is:
The very first time I saw an opera at the Lyric Opera of
Chicago is forever imprinted in my mind. I got to see Faust with
an amazing cast of singers. I was sitting in the very last row of the
theatre, but I'll never forget how amazing Samuel Ramey sounded as Méphistophélès. It was astonishing and I was enthralled!
4. A few of my
favorite films are:
It's all over the place: The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Love
Actually, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, I Love You, Man, Wall-E, The
Color Purple, the X-Men movies.
5. Three things I
can’t live without are:
My husband, Jim, who is the hardest working and the best
plumber I know! (Although, I'm probably biased) He is really amazing man
and I have learned countless life lessons and skills from him. Also, my
family and friends- I am so grateful for their support and encouragement over
the years. I cherish our conversations and laughter over the years.
6. My number one
hobby is:
I
get way too excited every year about my vegetable garden! I love to
garden and am excited because my husband and I have just moved
into a home with a two acre lot. I've been planning for perennial and
vegetable gardens and hopefully some fruit trees for next spring! I have
signed up to take a level one Master Gardening course in 2013 and am so
excited
for the upcoming growing season.
7. If you could
perform with any singer, retired or deceased, who would it be?
Wow,
it's difficult to choose- there are so many. Leontyne Price has
probably been my absolute favorite over the years! Stephanie Blythe and
Susanne Mentzer have been my mezzo heroes over the
years.
8. If you weren’t
a singer, what profession would you be in?
I wanted to be a lawyer when I was young, which is pretty
funny. I've always liked a good debate! I like to look at both
sides of any argument and enjoy the exchange of ideas.
9. What role do
you wish you could sing that you could never sing because it’s the wrong voice
type/gender?
I love Sarastro's music
in The Magic Flute. I've always wanted to be a bass-baritone.
Their voices sound so deep and incredibly powerful!
10. Describe your
favorite moment on stage.
I really enjoy making people laugh. My first comedic
role was Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus with UW Opera. It
was initially intimidating, but I really love the outlet of playing a goofy
character. My favorite moment on stage was hearing explosions of laughter
from the audience during opening night. We had rehearsed for weeks without an
audience, so all of the laughter came as a surprise. It was delightful!
Bonus: One
question you wish someone would ask you (and the answer).
Do you volunteer anywhere?
I am a Feline Friend at the Dane County Humane Society.
I am there every Friday socializing with the cats and clean their cages.
It's a wonderful organization and I am so happy when the animals find
their "fur-ever homes". Volunteering there has made me a better
owner to my dog, Gabby, and cat, Spike.
See Jessica in Madison Opera's production of Handel's Acis and Galatea January 10-13 in The Playhouse at Overture Center. Tickets start at just $20, but they're going fast!
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