Our "Meet our Artist" Series continues with FGO Young Artist, Brian James Myer, who will perform the role of Figaro in his FGO debut this November.
Born in Tarzana, California and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Brian James Myer has an extensive list of operatic and concert credits, has served as a middle school choir teacher, and is also a published composer.
Brian James Myer holds a Master of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music; his undergraduate studies lead to a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Romance Languages from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Mr. Myer has spent extensive amounts of time in both France and Italy, leading to his fluency in both French and Italian.
To read our interview with David Pershall, who plays the role of Figaro on Nov 14, 17, 21, please click here.
To see Brian James Myer perform the role of Figaro in Florida Grand Opera's exciting, re-imagined production of Rossini's The Barber of Seville from November 14–December 5, 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
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| Photo by Varuzhan Muradkhanyan |
FGO: Brian, welcome to Florida Grand Opera's Young Artist Program and to its mainstage, as well! Since you are brand new to South Florida audiences, can you please start by telling us a little about yourself?
BJM: I’m Brian, and I come from Las Vegas, Nevada. Yes, people DO actually live there! I love anything green, cartoons, sushi, and foreign languages.
I also am quite proud of my skills as a soprano recorder player!
FGO: We also heard that you're a published composer! Can you please describe some of your previous works to us?
BJM: As of now I only have one piece currently in publication (though I have written many others). It is a setting of Edmund Waller’s poem “Go, Lovely Rose” for a cappella mixed choir. It can be purchased at Santa Barbara Music Publishing.
Composing is something I started in high school. I was a huge choir nerd. (Who am I kidding? I still am!) My senior year I wrote an original piece that I conducted at the final concert of the year. It was such a rewarding and emotional experience that I continued to write through college.
My works have been performed by many choirs I have been affiliated with, and I have been lucky enough to have been able to conduct, or sing in, several of those performances. Having something I created be performed is incredibly personal and gratifying.
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| Aeneas Cleveland Institute of Music |
It's very exciting that, within your first few weeks in the program, you'll be making your mainstage debut as Figaro, "the barber" in The Barber of Seville.
How has this experience been so far? Have you come across any challenges in performing this role?
BJM: It is my first time singing the role, and I’m super excited about it! My favorite part of this role is definitely playing such a fun character. Figaro is such a lovable guy, and I’m having a lot of fun being silly on stage with all my colleagues. It’s also fun to sing, and in this production I get to ride around on a scooter!
The most challenging part about the role is properly pacing yourself. The music is difficult, and it requires a lot of planning to make sure you’re always at your best.
FGO: Yes, he is truly a beloved character, and this updated production really brings out his whimsical side! Speaking of, please explain, in your own words, how this production of The Barber of Seville differs from a more “traditional” production.
BJM: There isn’t much that’s “traditional” about this production. It’s set in the mid-20th century during a film shoot. I don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say there’s a bull costume, a stick horse, and maybe even a Bugs Bunny reference...
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| Le Dancaïre University of Nevada, Las Vegas |
FGO: From what we've seen, this is a very imaginative retelling and our audiences are in for a treat. It's really a fun way to present an opera that many people know by heart in an entirely new way.
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?
BJM: I want to do an all-male Carmen!
FGO: That would definitely be an interesting retelling, for sure! Okay... back to Barber.
Despite the fact that the story has been modernized, this opera is still a staple in bel canto repertoire. Why do YOU think South Florida audiences should see this production of The Barber of Seville?
BJM: To someone who has never seen The Barber of Seville before there are a lot of familiar melodies, some of which you may not even know came from an opera. The overture is very famous, as is Figaro’s aria. It’s packed full of tricks and disguises (which makes for a comedy-filled evening) and beautiful music!
FGO: Finally, just for fun: We hear that you enjoy cooking. What's in your fridge right now?
BJM: Let’s see, what’s in my fridge? Cilantro, chicken, various cheeses, half of a green pepper, eggs, and a lot of Diet Coke (I’m addicted). I need to get some more tortillas so I can make tacos. That’s definitely my favorite thing to make.
Thank you, Brian, for taking time out of your busy rehearsal and coaching schedule to speak with us. Best of luck in your FGO debut performance!
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| Vancouver Opera production of The Barber of Seville | Photo: Tim Matheson |
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