For those new to the FGO family, the "Meet Our Artists" series consists of a sequence of interview-style blog posts. We get the chance to ask our upcoming Principal Artists a variety of questions about their performance history and their relationship with the specific character they are portraying; and we even throw in a funny “wild card” question or two! Readers will get an exclusive peek "behind the FGO curtain" and get to know our artists a little more personally.
We start our series with baritone David Pershall, who is making his FGO debut in the role of Figaro on November 14.
According to Opera News, “David Pershall dispatches his smooth, evenly produced lyric baritone with elegance and style, but there’s something else underneath it — a certain bite and gravitas that pull in the listener immediately." This unique combination, coupled with his “persuasive” stage presence, is allowing David to quickly make a name for himself on stages around the world.
To see David Pershall perform the role of Figaro in Florida Grand Opera's exciting, re-imagined production of Rossini's The Barber of Seville (November 14–December 5, 2015; David appears November 14, 17, and 21), 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
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| David's son, Samuel. Photo posted on Twitter, |
Since you are brand new to South Florida audiences, can you please start by telling us a little about yourself?
David Pershall: Well, I am originally from Texas, but I currently live in Vienna, Austria. I have a wonderful wife named Katie, and the most adorable 15 month old boy in the whole universe named Samuel :)
If you are interested in learning more about my crazy and fantastic life as an opera singer, you can connect with me on Facebook @DavidWPershall, on Twitter @DavidPershall, or my personal website DavidPershall.com.
FGO: We are thrilled to have you as our Figaro in next month's production of The Barber of Seville. What's more, you’re about to hit a MAJOR career milestone: your Metropolitan Opera debut in the same role, Figaro, no less! Can you please comment on how this feels?
DP: It feels absolutely amazing! I have dreamt of singing at the Metropolitan Opera for many years and cannot believe I have the opportunity to sing such a fantastic part as my debut. I am so thankful to my family, friends, teachers, coaches, and manager, who all have helped me achieve such a wonderful milestone!
FGO: We are excited for you! Can you tell us what your personal history is with this particular role?
DP: Figaro, a.k.a. "the Barber" of Seville, is an amazing part that I have had the great pleasure of performing all around the world. My last performance as Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia was at the Vienna State Opera... The production here in Florida is new to me, but after what I have seen in rehearsals, I am certain it will be a blast for the audiences here!
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| Beethoven Easter Festival |
FGO: It's great you get to perform the role so many times, and yet with each new production, you can continue to experiment and develop the character. What has been your favorite part about performing this role so far? Any challenges?
DP: The music is what speaks the most to me in The Barber of Seville. It’s like a fine champagne full of mirth and bubbles, but demands to be taken seriously.
"Largo al factotum" is certainly the most demanding part of the opera for Figaro, but it is not without its rewards.
FGO: We can only imagine! Circling back to something you touched upon, the specific production FGO has taken on. It's definitely an refreshing take on a classic story we've heard countless times.
Just for fun, if you had the chance to tell a "classic" opera in a new way, which opera would it be, and how would you update it?
DP: Hmmmmm… this is a toughy :)
I could see a Le nozze di Figaro set in the 1950–60s with a Mad Men theme. The Count as a Don Draper character.
FGO: That would definitely be an interesting retelling, for sure! Now let's talk about the future: Is there a "dream role" you're still hoping to perform?
DP: Many parts speak to me for different reasons. Out of the parts I have performed so far, I would hope to sing many more performances as Rodrigo in Don Carlo and Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia. Some of my favorites I have yet to perform are the title role in Hamlet, Renato in Un ballo in maschera, and the title role in Macbeth.
FGO: All fantastic roles! We truly hope you can perform them someday.
Let's wrap up this interview with some words to our audience. For those who have seen Barber before, what should they expect from this particular production?
DP: I would say sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride! We have a wonderful cast and a production that is sure to keep you laughing!
Thank you, David, for taking the time to answer our questions and share your story with our audience! We look forward to your FGO debut in just a few weeks!
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| Vancouver Opera's 2012 Production Photo Credit: Tim Matheson |
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