With only 8-12 artists selected each year, we are always thrilled to have local talent represented. Soprano Rebecca Henriques, a Miami native, will be performing the role of Despina with our other Young Artists on January 25, 30, and February 14. Keep reading for her exclusive "Meet Our Artists" interview.
Hello, Rebecca! Why don't you tell our blog readers a little about yourself?
I am a native of Miami, Florida, and this is my second season as a Young Artist. I went to college at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, completed my masters at the University of Illinois, and just recently I finished my doctorate from the University of Miami.What are some of your favorite things about being from Miami?
All of my family lives in Miami or close by, so that is the best part of being here. There is also so much culture here in Miami that is very inspiring. And the beautiful weather doesn't hurt!How does it feel to be a native Miamian performing a leading mainstage role for Miami’s opera company? (Are your friends and family excited?)
I think words cannot fully express how excited I am to be singing with FGO. I have everyone that I know coming to watch.
The role of Despina is actually not your first time on the FGO stage. Your most recent FGO mainstage role in Madama Butterfly came along rather unexpectedly. Can you tell us about this role and what happened?
I was mentally preparing myself for my debut as Despina, but got to jump on stage during Madama Butterfly. I got a phone call on a Tuesday night from Julie Maykowski, the Director of Artistic Administration, to ask me if I could learn the role of Kate Pinkerton in two days for the Friday performance, because my colleague (Hailey Clark) had fractured her ankle and was on crutches. My first reaction was “Yes,” but there was definitely panic inside of me. I did not have a score, and I had no idea how big the role was. Julie talked me through it, told me that I would have as many coachings as I wanted within the two days, and I would get the staging before the performance.
It is something you hear about happening to people all the time, and it was an amazing experience. Being put in that situation makes me calmer for my role as Despina, because I now have already sung in the space and was successful.
Why should people come to see this production of Così fan tutte?
I think there are so many ways these characters can be portrayed, and these two casts are doing an amazing job with it. The show has points of humor and also sincerity, with truly spectacular music and energy.What aspect of Così fan tutte are you looking forward to the most?
I am a Miami native, so I am most looking forward to having all my family and friends attend this production. This is a very different character than I have ever done, and I am having so much fun with Despina. I hope that translates to the audience.Looking towards the future: What is your dream role?
I think this is the hardest question to answer, but I think it would be so amazing to sing Carmen.To see Rebecca Henriques perform the role of Despina 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.
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