American soprano Kara Shay Thomson has proven herself a versatile and essential artist on the operatic and concert stages. Ms. Thomson made her FGO debut last season in the title role of Tosca, and was hailed by South Florida critics and audiences alike. We are thrilled to have her back in the role of Magda Sorel in The Consul.
To see Kara Shay Thomson perform the role of Magda Sorel in Florida Grand Opera's gripping production of Menotti's The Consul from May 9–16, 2015, simply call FGO's Box Office at 800.741.1010 Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, or order securely online at FGO.org.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS
Welcome back to Florida Grand Opera! For those who may not know you, can you please tell us a little about yourself?
As a PK [Preacher's Kid], I moved around the Midwest quite a bit during my adolescence. I was born in Cincinnati, OH but made my home in Rock Port, MO, Fairbury, NE, Terre Haute, IN and Warrensburg, MO. I returned to Cincinnati 11 years ago and love living there with my husband and 11 year old daughter. We love our neighborhood and having my Dad close by to support us when I am travelling.I love to cook and to entertain. I don’t have any favorite foods – I like it all and Miami is such a great place to explore and take in all the amazing cuisines.
What was your first moment performing in front of an audience on stage?
Well, as a PK, I was on stage from a very young age. Our family offered an evening of song and scripture and it is where I learned how to communicate my message to a congregation. My parents continued to foster my musical talent, and I was lucky to perform in various venues throughout my childhood and early adult years.Opera was not a part of my upbringing so my first moment on stage in an opera was as La Ciesca in Gianni Schicchi at The New England Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts. It was my first opera – EVER!
 |
| Le Nozze di Figaro |
Is that what drew you to become a professional opera singer, or did that "Aha!" moment come later in life?
I was working in Lynchburg, VA as a Minister of Music and Youth for Fairview Christian Church and I decided I wanted to find a community chorus so that I could continue singing. That was a great decision as I met my husband in that chorus and the conductor introduced me to a wonderful soprano, Carol Gutknecht, and I began studying privately with the former New York City Opera soprano.She gave me Marietta’s Lied from Die tote Stadt and I fell in love with the German language and the sweeping lines of the piece. She encouraged me to enter the Metropolitan Opera auditions for my region. I prepared my pieces and went to the audition.
I had a terrible audition, and I was so out of my element, but I stayed to hear my comments from the judges. One judge in particular told me that if I was happy with my life in ministry, I should embrace it and go back home. But, if I felt like this music was a part of my soul, then I needed to go get the tools necessary for this art form.
So, Carol helped me choose The New England Conservatory, and I entered their intense opera program under the direction of John Moriarty. In 2 years I quickly acquired language skills, stage craft, and hours of endless coachings and voice lessons with Patricia Craig to prepare me for my apprenticeships. I thank Carol, my husband, and the nameless judge who made me realize this was what I was created to do.
That is an incredible story, and now you're an in-demand artist on the operatic stage!
Speaking of which, last year you made your FGO debut in the title role of Tosca. Can you please describe what that experience was like?
I had a wonderful experience working with FGO last year. The house in Miami is a great place to sing and I really enjoyed heading up to the Broward Center as well. The entire FGO family is so open and welcoming and I am looking forward to returning to do a new role in such a supportive and creative company.We're glad to have you back! As many members of our audience know, your 2014 Tosca with FGO was far from your first performance of that role. Can you tell us how many times you’ve performed the role of Floria?
I recently hit my 100th performance of Tosca, and look forward to many more..jpg) |
| Kara Shay Thomson and Todd Thomas in FGO's production of Tosca, 2013 Photo: Justin Namon |
Fantastic! You obviously maintain a very active performance schedule. Do you have any pre-performance rituals? Performance superstitions? Good luck charms?
I like to be the first one in the make-up chair.The calm energy of the being first helps me focus, and then it allows me time to say "hello" to all of my colleagues before downbeat.I also always wear my jade elephant necklace that my mother gave to me. I wear it in rehearsal and always have it with me at each performance in my dressing room.
Very cool. On a similar note, how do you relax in between performances? What hobbies do you enjoy at home and “on the road?"
I am a huge fan of NCIS, so if there is a marathon on the USA channel then I am ready to get out my needlepoint, a bottle of wine, and sit back and say hello to my friends: Gibbs, Ziva, Tony, and McGee!When I am home I spend most of my time being involved with my family. I have been known to throw a few good parties for our neighborhood as well as top-notch sleepovers for my daughter and her friends.
I miss being able to cook in my fabulous kitchen. Right before I arrived in Sarasota I purchased a brand new professional series range and a Vitamix. I couldn’t bring my oven, but I packed up my Vitamix and a couple of my favorite knives and brought them with me. I find cooking so relaxing, and it makes me so happy when I can bring people together for a wonderful meal.
I’m sure work/life balance takes on a whole different meaning being a professional singer who travels. How do you stay connected to family and friends when you are “on the road?"
Apple's Facetime app has been a life-saver for our family. Sometimes we just connect through FT while we are doing everyday chores. I will come home from rehearsal at 3pm and call Emma Shay, and we will do her homework together or just talk about her day. My husband uses it to help him recreate a favorite recipe I have left behind for him to cook, or sometimes we just to look into each other’s eyes and say how much we miss each other. Sometimes the days don’t go by very fast and Facetime makes it seem like we aren’t that far apart.As someone who has been on the road for a few years, I would tell all of the Young Artists to make sure that you connect with your family at least once a day. Even if you think that you don’t have anything exciting to tell your family, sometimes it’s just enough to hear that person say “hello.” We can become so involved in our “Opera World” that we forget to share it with those outside the inner-circle. Connect, share, and make your family a priority because they are the most important support system you have in this career.
 |
| Ewartung. Photo: Carol Rosegg |
We could not agree more! And, keeping with this idea of family, The Consul very much stresses the importance of family and relationships.
Magda Sorel, as a character, seems quite different from Floria Tosca. Can you describe what attracts you to this role?
I am attracted to the role of Magda Sorel because she is such a strong woman, much like Floria Tosca. I think that I love Magda is because she is very intelligent , passionate, and protective. Magda knows that if she can just see the Consul she will be able to convince him of her plight. As the events of the day unfold she becomes more desperate which elevates her emotions and clouds her decisions.As an actress, I am excited to play the role of Magda and to explore the journey she takes throughout this opera. It is a fantastic acting role that is woven so brilliantly into the musical score.
What is your most favorite moment in the entire opera?
There are so many moments in the opera that are exciting. But right now the moment that stands out to me most is when Magda says, “Mother, why are you so still Mother?” It is a perfect example of Magda knowing the answer before she asks but doesn’t want to believe it such tragedy could be true.However, since this is a new role for me, I don't yet know what the true stand-out moments will be. I believe we strive to create something new every performance, so I look forward to discovering new favorite moments each time.
We are looking forward to it as well! If Magda Sorel were a real person, what is one piece of advice you wish you could give to her?
Be present with those right in front of you and never give up hope.This role, as well as this entire opera, is quite dynamic and dramatic, and it is considered a challenge to many singers. Have you run into any challenges while preparing this role?
I have found the “dialogue” sections to be challenging. Menotti gave us artistic freedom in some of the sections that are conversations, and until you work with the other singers, you don’t know exactly how they will deliver the lines.I have been singing all the parts so as to know the score as well as I can before I arrive, but I am definitely looking forward to working with everyone and creating this piece together. Singing opera alone in your living room is not nearly as much fun as collaborating with all of your colleagues, the conductor, director, and the orchestra!
Quite true! Finally, in your opinion, what are the top three reasons why South Florida audiences should come to see The Consul?
- It is a great story with very few characters so you are able to identify and connect with all of them throughout the show.
- The music is very lush and “listenable” so it is easy for audiences to get wrapped up in the orchestration.
- This cast is amazing and a great opportunity to great singing combined with great acting.
No comments:
Post a Comment