Meet the Artist
A conversation with one of Madama Butterfly's leading ladies, Vanessa Isiguen
This week we sit down with a Vanessa Isiguen, one of our new Young Artists, who will perform the role of Cio-Cio-San in Madama Butterfly on November 18, 21, and December 6.
You’re new on our mainstage! Tell us about yourself.
I'm originally from Charlotte, North Carolina but my family is of Cuban (mother) and Fillipino (father) descent. I am also very excited to be at FGO because I have a lot of family in the area! I have been living in NYC since 2010 and recently finished my Artist Diploma at Mannes College of Music part of The New School. I love running, cooking, and the beach! Very excited to be here!Now, this is your FGO debut, but this is not your first time singing with a Florida opera company.
Yes, I was a young artist at Opera Tampa and most recently sang the role of High Priestess in Aida for the farewell performances of their beloved Maestro Anton Coppola.
We’re so thrilled to have you apart of our Young Artist program this season! What made you decide to choose FGO over other programs?
I've always wanted to sing at FGO because Miami has such charm and I feel a real connection to this city with my Cuban heritage. I wish my grandmother could have been alive to see this day (she unfortunately passed this summer). My grandmother was a sweet Cuban woman who lived here and always loved the arts.
What is your personal history/relationship with Madama Butterfly?
Madama Butterfly is one of the very first operas I ever listened to as a young soprano, and I fell instantly in love with Puccini's writing. His lush orchestration and soaring vocal writing tugs at your heartstrings, and I believe his music truly communicates to the very soul of ones being. This will be the very first time I will sing Cio-Cio-San, and I am absolutely thrilled to have this role as my FGO debut.
What part of preparing this role do you find most challenging?
This role is very unique because it
has extremely demanding vocal writing, in terms of stamina and length, However,
the dramatic aspect is also very unique. Butterfly is a naive, yet
ecstatic 15 yr old on her wedding day in Act 1, then after intermission we find
her as an 18 yr old abandoned mother. She is still so full of hope, yet
heartbroken and driven to suicide in the depths of her despair. I
definitely find the dramatic odyssey of this character to be the most
challenging, yet also rewarding.
You have such a bright future ahead of you. What role do you hope to perform in the future?/What is your dream role?
When I tell you that Butterfly is indeed a dream role, I am stating a complete truth! I cannot believe I am here singing this, and completely ecstatic, thankful, and blessed to have this opportunity!
What do you have to say to anyone who is going see Madama Butterfly for the first time?
You will not be disappointed!!
Aside from enjoying your debut performance with Florida Grand Opera (which we know is reason enough), why should people come to see Madama Butterfly this fall?
Butterfly is one the most beautiful pieces of art in the operatic genre. I believe it is a great opera definitely whether it is your first time at the theater, or if you are a seasoned opera-goer. This opera is not to be missed! Buy your tickets now!
Finally, we know that your character, Cio-Cio-San, is deeply in love with Lt. Pinkerton, but we are curious... What is YOUR personal opinion of Lt. Pinkerton and how he treated Butterfly?
Pinkerton is a big jerk! Haha! No, I really believe that he was behaving the way that was deemed socially acceptable for that time period.
Do I disagree with his actions and behavior, of course!
Do I believe he is evil to his core? No, in act 3 he does show remorse...
To see Vanessa Isiguen perform the role of Cio-Cio-San and purchase tickets to Madama Butterfly, simply call our Box Office at 800-741-1010, Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm. You may also order securely online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at www.FGO.org.
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