Ten Questions with Marie McManama

Ten Questions With...

Marie McManama, soprano
Madison Opera Studio Artist






1.  Where were you born / raised? 
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri.

2.  If you weren't a singer, what profession would you be in?
There is nothing I would rather do and I consider myself fortunate to be able to make a living doing what I love!

3.  The first opera I was ever in was...
The Very Last Green Thing on Earth with Opera Theatre of St. Louis in 1995.  It's a short children's opera about a dystopian earth where plants no longer grow, kind of like Wall-E but with opera singers.  I played a "child of the future."

4.  My favorite opera...
To watch:  La Bohème.
To listen to:  The Magic Flute.
To sing:  any Donizetti comedy.

5.  My favorite pre/post-show meal is...
It is uncomfortable for me to sing on a full stomach (heavy costumes, acid reflux), so I typically eat something light a couple hours before performing.  After a show, anything goes!

6.  People would be surprised to know that...
I have played classical violin my whole life, but I won the concerto competition when I played in the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra by singing opera arias.

7.  A few of my favorite books are...
Anything by Daniel Handle, Gone Girl, Travels in the Scriptorium by Paul Auster. 

8.  If we were to turn on your ipod right now, what five artists/songs would we see on your recently-played list?   
Billy Joel, Ben Folds, Pentatonix - for the proud choir nerd in me, Guster.  And they are all amazing live!

9.  What is the worst costume you've ever worn?
Hmm...  worst opera costume.  I honestly don't remember any terrible opera costumes.  I did have to wear a bedazzled disco ball bathrobe and a feather boa when I sang Juno in Orpheus in the Underworld, but that was more awesomely bad.  I am pretty excited to try on my three-headed alien costume for an upcoming production of The Magic Flute, though!

10.  Everyone should go to the opera because....
Nothing makes you feel more cultured than going to the opera!  It is unlike any other art form in that it combines visual art, literature, drama, music, and singing in a way that a poem, a play, a ballet, or an orchestral concert cannot do on its own.  It demonstrates the awesome capabilities of the human voice by not using any electronic amplification.  At the opera it's all real - real voices, real music, real emotions - and that is a pretty amazing thing to experience.

Bonus:  One question you wish someone would ask you (and the answer):
Q:  What is the story behind your wedding ring?
A:  The engagement stone is my husband's father's grandmother's from the 1800s.  It's European round cut, a style that is no longer made because it is cut to reflect candlelight.  My wedding band is made from the first Christmas present my (now) husband ever gave me, a small diamond necklace.  Because I wore it all the time, the chain kept breaking and I nearly lost the pendant several times.  I wanted to put it somewhere I would never lose it but could still wear it.  It's been on my finger ever since.

Don't miss the chance to see Marie all year long, on our mainstage and in our community.  Visit madisonopera.org for more information.

In the Park with Kyle Ketelsen

In the Park with...

Kyle Ketelsen
Bass-Baritone, Opera in the Park








1.  Where were you born / raised? 
I was born and raised in Clinton, IA.  In many ways it's your standard, working-class, mid-America town.  On a lovely stretch of the Mississippi, and a strong music tradition in the schools.  Quite similar to my current town, Sun Prairie, WI.

2.  What is in your ideal picnic basket?
Cheese, meat, and fruit.  Along with delivery vehicles like bread and crackers.  Red wine and/or Belgian beer.  And because that's not fatty enough, some form of chocolate for dessert is needed.

3.  My most memorable moment performing outside was...
I think it's a toss-up between two "Carmen" productions.  One was at the Hollywood Bowl, which is such a festive atmosphere, not to mention the amazing performers who have stepped foot on that stage.  The other was just a few weeks ago in Orange, France, in a Roman theater built in the first century.  Tremendously appreciative crowd, and the history of such a venue is exhilarating.

4.  My favorite outdoor performance I've attended was...
Probably the Three Tenors concert, Tiger Stadium, Detroit in 1999.  It was a wedding gift to my wife, and I was just beginning my own career.  Fascinating juxtaposition with the three men on stage, and their body of work.  Amazing!

5.  My favorite summertime activity is...
Anything with my family outside.  The Dells.  Baseball and softball games with the kids.  Cookouts!  We've been to many Madison Opera "Opera in the Park" concerts as viewers.  Also, NOT shoveling snow.

6.  My ideal vacation is....
Really anywhere with my family.  Opening our kids' eyes to the world.  Historical destinations are among our favorites.  Otherwise, I think I prefer lakes and mountains to sun and beach.  So many lovely places in Wisconsin that do in a pinch!


Join Kyle for Opera in the Park on Saturday, July 25 at 8pm in Garner Park.  FREE admission; visit madisonopera.org for more information.

In the Park with Eleni Calenos

In the Park with...

Eleni Calenos
Soprano, Opera in the Park








1.  Where were you born / raised? 
I was born and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece.

2.  What is in your ideal picnic basket?
One that includes Spanish tapas and wine.

3.  My most memorable moment performing outside was...
Singing a Mozart opera in Barbados where the stage was set by the Caribbean and the orchestra included the sounds of local birds.

4.  My favorite outdoor performance I've attended was...
A performance of the Bolshoi Ballet in my hometown as a child.

5.  My favorite summertime activity is...
Swimming and reading.

6.  My ideal vacation is....
A small and remote Greek island in the Aegean Sea.

Bonus:  One question you wish someone would ask you (and the answer):
Q:  To what extent did you have to withdraw from the common game of life to dedicate yourself to opera, and is it worthwhile after all?
A:  Every detail of my life has definitely been modified to fit the career.  I am not engaged with opera - it is marriage we are talking about.  It is true and devoted love.  So, there is no doubt that it has taken me away from usual everyday activities.  You ask me if it's worthwhile...  My answer is, every bit.  I am hugely grateful for this never-ending source of happiness in my life.


Join Eleni for Opera in the Park on Saturday, July 25 at 8pm in Garner Park.  FREE admission; visit madisonopera.org for more information.