A conversation with Fiordiligi, Sari Gruber
This week we at Florida Grand Opera are welcoming the New Year AND our Così fan tutte principal artists! For another "peek behind the curtain," our own Fiordiligi, Sari Gruber, was gracious enough to share some insights with us.
Sari will be making her Florida Grand Opera debut as Fiordiligi in Mozart's Così fan tutte on January 24, 27, 31, and February 12.
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Since you will be making your debut this January, let me be the first to welcome you to Florida Grand Opera! Why don't you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Sari (“SHAW-ree”) Gruber, and I am thrilled to be singing my first performances of Fiordiligi here at FGO. I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, these days, but grew up in Tübingen, Germany; Columbus, Ohio; and Los Angeles before going to school in Connecticut and New York City. My parents are huge classical music fans, and with so many easily accessible live performances in Germany, I grew up attending the opera, concerts, and recitals.
You mention in your bio that one of your hobbies is perennial gardening. That doesn't seem to be a very common hobby anymore! Do you find it difficult to maintain your garden while maintaining a full performance schedule?
I made sure to plant fairly low-maintenance plants that thrive in Pittsburgh’s yellow clay soil, and I planned things so that there is something blooming in my garden every day from late February through mid-November. When I am home, there is always something to enjoy, and something to clean up. It took a great deal of research and preparation at first, but now I see the fruits of my labor year after year. I have also helped several neighbors plan and install their gardens and am always happy to give away some of my splittings to someone who will enjoy them.
Let's talk about Così fan tutte! What is your personal history with this opera?
I have done this opera numerous times in my career, but always portraying Despina, one of my favorite roles at the outset of my career. This will be my first opportunity to sing Fiordiligi, who suits me better these days, and I am thrilled to explore this story from a completely different angle!
How would you explain the plot of Così fan tutte to a newcomer to the opera?
Easier said than done, but I suppose Così is sort of like Dangerous Liaisons meets The Love Boat.
What is your favorite part about performing this role?
The music is just so spectacularly beautiful. Just when you think Mozart has reached the most sublime musical moment, he turns the phrase, and comes back with even more exquisite music. I have such a sense of renewed amazement from page to page in this score.
On the flip side: What is the most challenging part about performing this role?
(Reader's Note: At the time of this interview, rehearsals had not yet begun.)
Well, I look forward to finding that out, but I have a feeling that pacing the finales vocally will probably be one of the challenges. I also really look forward to exploring Fiordiligi’s inner struggle with her devotion to Guglielmo versus her love for the “Albanian” tenor. There is such honesty in her vacillation, but playing it wrong can make it seem trite. It’s tricky!
What would you say to someone who is going to see Così fan tutte for the first time?
Così fan tutte is a masterpiece which must be experienced live to appreciate fully. Through a compact and intimate story line and fantastic music, Mozart and his librettist Da Ponte bring the hilarity and heartbreak of human foibles into high relief.
Now some fun questions: If you were to cook a 3-course dinner for the entire cast of Così, what would you cook?
Qufta (Albanian meatballs) for appetizer, sweet and sour chicken, followed by Turkish delight, and Despina’s hot chocolate.
Qufta / Kofta
Finally: If you could listen to only three albums for the rest of your life, what would they be?
In no particular order: U2's Joshua Tree, The Beatles’ White Album, and Aretha Franklin’s Greatest Hits.
To see Sari Gruber perform the role of Fiordiligi and purchase tickets to Così fan tutte, 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.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS
What is your favorite part about performing this role?
The music is just so spectacularly beautiful. Just when you think Mozart has reached the most sublime musical moment, he turns the phrase, and comes back with even more exquisite music. I have such a sense of renewed amazement from page to page in this score.
On the flip side: What is the most challenging part about performing this role?
(Reader's Note: At the time of this interview, rehearsals had not yet begun.)
Well, I look forward to finding that out, but I have a feeling that pacing the finales vocally will probably be one of the challenges. I also really look forward to exploring Fiordiligi’s inner struggle with her devotion to Guglielmo versus her love for the “Albanian” tenor. There is such honesty in her vacillation, but playing it wrong can make it seem trite. It’s tricky!
What would you say to someone who is going to see Così fan tutte for the first time?
Così fan tutte is a masterpiece which must be experienced live to appreciate fully. Through a compact and intimate story line and fantastic music, Mozart and his librettist Da Ponte bring the hilarity and heartbreak of human foibles into high relief.
Now some fun questions: If you were to cook a 3-course dinner for the entire cast of Così, what would you cook?
Qufta (Albanian meatballs) for appetizer, sweet and sour chicken, followed by Turkish delight, and Despina’s hot chocolate. |
| Qufta / Kofta |
Finally: If you could listen to only three albums for the rest of your life, what would they be?
In no particular order: U2's Joshua Tree, The Beatles’ White Album, and Aretha Franklin’s Greatest Hits.
To see Sari Gruber perform the role of Fiordiligi and purchase tickets to Così fan tutte, 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.
| CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS |
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