For this manufacturing of La bohème, we’re thrilled to welcome our Mimì, Raquel González, for her Opera Colorado debut. Raquel has been hailed as a “true artist” by Opera Information and she or he is a winner of the distinguished Sphinx Group’s Medal of Excellence Award. Maintain studying under to study all about Raquel, together with how she bought began in opera, what she loves about her character in La bohème, and extra.
Get tickets to La bohème, on stage for 5 performances solely from February 22-March 2.>>
How did you first discover your means into the world of opera?
I ventured into classical music first by taking part in flute, beginning across the fifth grade. I studied flute critically all all through highschool and was very enthusiastic about it. I joined choir in junior excessive as a result of all my associates had been doing it and began learning voice a pair years later. At that time, I had by no means but seen an opera or perhaps a reside musical! I used to be painfully shy, and I shortly found that singing was a much-needed outlet. I began watching and listening to opera recordings, first these given to me by my first voice instructor and finally these I pillaged from the general public library’s opera part. The demanding vocalism is what first lured me in, and what retains me coming again is balancing the technical calls for of singing with the emotional core of the characters.
You’re no stranger to the position of Mimì in La bohème. What’s it about this iconic character that retains you coming again?
Puccini clearly wrote his love of Mimì into the position. She is such a generously, superbly written character (each musically and dramatically) and is really the center of La bohème. Whereas she undergoes a heartbreaking journey via the opera, she stays a brilliant gentle to the top. That’s the perpetual problem and the crux of performing Mimì—retaining hope and pleasure despite what the music and the drama taking place round me compel me to really feel. Each manufacturing of La bohème is completely different, as a lot of what makes the present is the particular dynamic between the ensemble of characters. Growing this dynamic is enjoyable each single time, and I at all times sit up for it!
What’s your favourite a part of the rehearsal course of?
The most effective half about opera is the people who make it occur. It’s an absolute privilege to get to know a brand new group of individuals each few weeks and to create a unique present from the bottom up. Moreover, each first sitzprobe (orchestra rehearsal) is magical! There really is not any feeling that compares to singing Puccini’s unbelievable traces over a full orchestra. It’s a full-body rush that by no means will get outdated!
You’re a reasonably large canine lover (particularly Dachshunds). What do you’re keen on about canine? And may we please see an image of your new pet?
My pet Ori is the sunshine of my life! I spent my total childhood with a canine at house, and have been wanting a pup of my very own for so long as I can keep in mind. My mother and father’ long-haired dachshund, Fred, is the explanation I fell in love with dachshunds, and have recognized for years that my circle of relatives wouldn’t be full with out one. Nothing is purer or extra joyful than a canine, and having Ori in my life supplies happiness and perspective that generally lack in a profession that calls for a lot and retains us away from our properties and households for therefore lengthy.
Congrats in your Opera Colorado debut! What are you trying ahead to doing in Denver in your days off?
Honestly, most of my downtime whereas I’m working is spent resting and recuperating, however I like exploring a brand new metropolis by taking lengthy walks on my free days (which I’m trying ahead to doing with Ori now!). I additionally love discovering good meals in no matter metropolis I’m working, so I’m at all times open to good restaurant suggestions!
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See Raquel in La bohème, on stage from February 22-March 2.>>
