Professional Opera Debut
July 16, 2008
On June 14, I made my professional opera debut with the Intimate Opera Company, portraying the role of Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata. This production came to life under the baton of Kristof Van Gryspeer and the direction of Mark Lamanna.
I began learning the role in Italian in January of 2008, and worked on it with my vocal instructor and coaches. The production was performed in English, but I wanted to be certain that I knew the Italian as well, and could sing it artistically in the language it was originally written. Coachings with Maestro Van Gryspeer began in April. Kristof is a talented conductor and was such a pleasure to work with. He helped me find the speaking quality in the words (to not just sing them, but really communicate what I was saying) and was always present, providing the support I needed every moment while I was on stage.
At the end of April, I temporarily relocated to Pasadena (a 2 hour drive from my home in San Diego), residing with a friend of the family. Staging began and we had intense rehearsals 6 days a week, so I was able to return home one or two days weekly to see my husband. I absolutely loved working with the staging director, Mark Lamanna. Mark has the incredible ability to make each and every character in a show three-dimensional. He is extremely sensitive to their situation in life and what they are going through, and uses the strengths of each performer to naturally bring out the character they are portraying. He is so honest and caring in his work. I felt I could take the necessary risks to put myself on the line emotionally, vocally, spiritually, and physically. One of the greatest things I learned from him was how to channel the emotions from my body out into the audience for them to experience. Mark also encouraged me to trust myself as an artist. To go out there, sing with my heart, live fully in each moment, react honestly to every person who is onstage, and to let my voice soar. He would say to me before I went on stage, “Just fly, Courtney!”
On June 14, 2008 I had my debut performance as Violetta and it was thrilling, proving to be a wonderful first performance. Opening night jitters were unavoidable during the first act, but Act 2 and Act 3 went beautifully. I will never forget the feeling I had after the curtain closed on that first show. I was so exhausted but so fulfilled at the same time. As I came out for my bow, I was in tears.
We had 4 performances in all, with one performance during the first weekend and three performances on the second. I was a little worried about how my voice and body were going to hold up for three consecutive performances (Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday matinee). However, Saturday’s and Sunday’s performances were the best. I felt so energized after each show. It was a fantastic sensation to completely feel every moment and channel the emotions right through me! Ultimately, it was a huge success, with three of the four performances being sold out and the audience loving it.
If you’d like to see and hear more of the production, browse pictures on the “Gallery” page (under “Production Photos”) and visit the “Critical Acclaim” page to read a review of me as Violetta. Video clips and audio recordings of the production will be coming soon!