FGO Opera Blog: Meet Our Artists: Jonathan Beyer

Happy Friday, everyone! Only two more weeks until Così hits the stage, and we still have quite a few artists to speak to. This week we sit down with our own Guglielmo, baritone Jonathan Beyer.

Jonathan will be making his FGO debut in Mozart's Così fan tutte on January 24, 27, 31, and February 12.

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Welcome to Florida Grand Opera! Can you please tell us a little about yourself?

This will be my first time singing in Così fan tutte and my first time singing an opera in Florida. I live in New York and am originally from Chicago, Illinois. I studied at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

Figaro – Barbiere di Siviglia – Teatro Petruzzelli

You forgot to mention that you have enjoyed a successful international career! Can you describe some of your career highlights, for those who may not be familiar with your history?

I have had a fun time singing in some unusual places like Hong Kong, Oman in the Middle East, as well as some more standard cities in Europe. To sing Figaro in Italy was an experience like no other—as was singing at the Met and singing in Munich during Oktoberfest! I’ve been able to experience things I wouldn’t have otherwise. When I finished singing in Hawaii and then traveled directly to Alaska to sing, I thought “You wouldn’t be able to do all of this if you sold insurance!”

Out of all of those cities, what has been your favorite city to visit?

I am from Chicago, IL and it is still one of my favorite cities. I love cities with large bodies of water nearby (which is why I love Miami!). I also love Paris and am thrilled to live in New York City.

Looking ahead: What is one opera house you haven’t been to that you aspire to perform in someday?

It would be really fun to sing at La Scala. I think the energy in that house would be like no other…which could be a positive and negative all at once. It would certainly be exciting.

You mention that you are a figure skating “fanatic.” How did you first get hooked?

I fell in love with skating in the early 90s and have even been a guest host on figure skating recap shows. I usually attend one to two skating events throughout the season. There are so many operatic programs. Great skaters often use music from Tosca, Turandot, Le nozze di Figaro, Samson et Dalila, and of course, Carmen.

Do you figure skate personally?

I did, but my obsession is truly as a fan and not as a “former skater.”

What is the most memorable figure skating performance you’ve ever seen?

Michelle Kwan’s Rachmaninoff Short Program and the 1998 US National Championships.

Okay, now back to opera! After looking at your performance history, it appears as though you are no stranger to Mozart roles. Is there anything that attracts you to sing these roles in particular?

There is an elegance to Mozart’s operas that is unparalleled. I especially love his finales and all of his brilliant ensemble writing. It is such a joy to sing such masterful duets, trios, quartets, etc.

We also see that the role of Guglielmo is brand new to you. How is the role of Guglielmo different from other Mozart roles you have performed?

I am interested in exploring the role of Guglielmo in rehearsals. He is not evil like the Count in Le nozze di Figaro or as silly as Papageno in Die Zauberflöte. He is the most "real" Mozart character I will have played.

Your character makes a bet that his fiancée will remain faithful to him under any circumstance. How do you personally feel about the wager Ferrando and Guglielmo make with Don Alfonso?

I hate this bet…haha! I feel like the men should be getting in just as much trouble as the ladies at the end of the opera!

What would you say to someone who has already seen Così fan tutte to convince them to come and see this production?

I think that this production of Così fan tutte will feature some really outstanding singing. I think the plot is also very timeless and sparks a lot of debate and opinions regarding human relationships and fidelity.

Finally: If you were given $20 million tomorrow and HAD to spend it within 30 days, how would you spend the money?

A penthouse in New York at 10 Central Park West…it would probably only get me a two bedroom there, though. Haha!

To see Jonathan Beyer perform the role of Guglielmo 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.