Monica Conesa, the American Cuban soprano, and Diego Torre, the Mexican Australian tenor are making their Seattle Opera debuts as Nedda and Canio. Uncover how they began, their inventive influences, and favourite pastimes.
Monica Conesa, Soprano
A dream come true: This function could be very, very particular to me as a result of it’s one of many operas that I fell in love with first. As a youngster, I listened to the final scene over and over. I pretended to be Nedda. It’s so dramatic, so unbelievable. As a result of that is my function debut, I assume that I’ve been getting ready for this second all my life. It’s been cooking in my head since I used to be 14 or 15 years outdated.
The household enterprise: My dad and mom are medical doctors—my mom a gynecologist, my father an orthopedist. My uncle’s a plastic surgeon and my grandfather is an OB/GYN. However my household appreciates arts. They launched me to opera at an early age. Your entire household is tremendous supportive and will likely be in Seattle for my efficiency. Their recommendation was “Love your job; you’ll by no means work a day in your life.”
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| Monica Conesa seen right here within the 2023 Teatro Filarmonico’s manufacturing of Aida. © Teatro Filarmonico/Verona |
Coming to America: Up to now, my profession has been loopy. I sang my first function on the Area di Verona as Aida. I’ve carried out solely in Europe at locations like Teatro Campoamor de Ovieda and the Palazzo Mauro de André. Not solely is that this my function debut, however it is usually my US debut. So, I’m so, so, so excited!
What would a therapist say: My voice? She’s my finest pal. She’s stuffed with prospects. She might be essentially the most lovely light cushion, after which she could be a knife. I don’t know if that’s an outline of my voice, however typically that’s how I really feel after I sing. My voice is at all times excited to strive new issues and can attempt to push the boundaries. I like my voice. Now, that is the place a therapist would say, “You’re speaking about your self, you already know.”
Impressed by the previous: I’ve been advised that my voice is like Maria Callas. It began after I was 14 or 15. On the time, I didn’t know any well-known opera singers of the previous. Then I sang “Cara mio ben” at a contest. One of many judges commented, “Voice like Callas.” That began my curiosity in Callas. She was unbelievable, and her consideration to element is simply wonderful.
By no means go away residence with out it: I journey in all places with my Bialetti Moka Pot. She’s my child. It’s a sport changer, particularly after I’m in locations with out good espresso. Thank God, I’ve my espresso pot! I’m excited to take a look at Seattle’s espresso scene.
Diego Torre, Tenor
Too noisy, too loud: Mexican tradition is a singing tradition. We sing for the whole lot—glad and unhappy occasions. I’m advised that after I mentioned my first phrases, I used to be singing. It in all probability wasn’t nice as a result of I keep in mind my sister at all times saying, “ Hey shut up. Too noisy and too loud.” On the suggestion of my elementary faculty instructor, my dad and mom agreed to get me voice classes. In highschool the academics would take me out of sophistication to sing to potential dad and mom visiting the college.
An opportunity audition: My final 12 months of highschool, I went with my pal to the college. He needed to get music scores from the library. I noticed a flyer for auditions and signed up. I mentioned to myself, “Effectively, let’s see if I actually have the voice and expertise that everyone’s telling me that I’ve. I used to be accepted and that began my profession.
Within the second: For years Pagliacci was my favourite opera as a result of it was the primary opera that I sang. That’s totally different now. I’m at some extent the place I benefit from the second. My favourite opera is the one which I’m performing on the time.
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| Diego Torre in Opera Australia’s 2024 manufacturing of Tosca. © Jeff Busby, Opera Australia |
Aiming for perfection: I consider all singers suppose this fashion. Perfection by no means goes to occur, however not less than it’s an inspiration that we have now. Perfection is the motivation that we have now to get higher each single time. I at all times give 100%—irrespective of if it’s a efficiency or if it’s a rehearsal.
A posh character: Canio is usually interpreted as a violent man. He’s extra advanced than that. He’s not one dimensional. He’s an outdated man making an attempt to maintain his firm operating. He takes care of Nedda; he cares for the folks in his troupe. Nedda is younger and has many lovers. However he marries her, nonetheless. It’s the best way that she defies him that breaks his spirit. He’s a damaged man who has no purpose to go on. I’m not excusing violence in opposition to ladies. However in his state of affairs, I believe he acted as a result of he’s damaged.
Gamer on the street: After I’m not singing, I cook dinner, play guitar, and play video video games. Name of Obligation is my favourite. I journey with a Nintendo Change. It’s essentially the most moveable. I’ll convey it with me. It’s an extended flight from Sydney to Seattle.
Pagliacci runs August 3–17, 2024 at McCaw Corridor.
Tickets and data at seattleopera.org/pagliacci.
