Monica Conesa, Soprano

A dream come true: This function may be very, very particular to me as a result of it’s one of many operas that I fell in love with first. As an adolescent, I listened to final scene again and again. I pretended to be Nedda. It’s so dramatic, so unimaginable. As a result of that is my function debut, I suppose that I’ve been making ready for this second all my life. It’s been cooking in my head since I used to be 14 or 15 years outdated.

The household enterprise: My mother and father are docs—my mom a gynecologist, my father an orthopedist. My uncle’s a plastic surgeon and my grandfather is an OB/GYN. However my household appreciates arts. They launched me to opera at an early age. The whole household is tremendous supportive and can be in Seattle for my efficiency. Their recommendation was “Love your job; you’ll by no means work a day in your life.”

Monica Conesa seen right here within the 2023 Teatro Filarmonico’s manufacturing of Aida. © Teatro Filarmonico/Verona

Coming to America: Thus far, my profession has been loopy. I sang my first function in Area di Verona as Aida. I’ve carried out solely in Europe at locations like Teatro Campoamor de Ovieda and the Palazzo Mauro de André. Not solely is that this my function debut, however additionally it is my US debut. I’m so, so, so excited!

What would a therapist say: My voice? She’s my finest buddy. She’s filled with potentialities. She may be probably the most stunning light cushion, after which she generally is a knife. I don’t know if that’s an outline of my voice, however generally that’s how I really feel once I sing. My voice is at all times excited to attempt new issues and can attempt to push the boundaries. I like my voice. Now, that is the place a therapist would say, “You’re speaking about your self, you understand.” 

Impressed by the previous: I’ve been informed that my voice is like Maria Callas. It began once I was 14 or 15. On the time, I didn’t know any well-known opera singers of the previous. Then I sang “Cara mio ben” at a contest. One of many judges commented, “Voice like Callas.” That began my curiosity in Callas. She was unimaginable, and her consideration to element is simply superb. 

By no means depart house with out it: I journey in all places with my Bialetti Moka Pot. She’s my child. It’s a sport changer, particularly once I’m in locations with out good espresso. Thank God, I’ve my espresso pot! I’m excited to take a look at Seattle’s espresso scene.

Diego Torre, Tenor

Too noisy, too loud: Mexican tradition is a singing tradition. We sing for every part—completely satisfied and unhappy instances. I’m informed that after I mentioned my first phrases, I used to be singing. It most likely wasn’t nice as a result of I bear in mind my sister at all times saying, “ Hey shut up. Too noisy and too loud.” On the suggestion of my elementary faculty instructor, my mother and father agreed to get me voice classes. In highschool the academics would take me out of sophistication to sing to potential mother and father visiting the varsity.

An opportunity audition: My final yr of highschool, I went with my buddy to the college. He wished to get music scores from the library. I noticed a flyer for auditions and signed up. I mentioned to myself, “Nicely, let’s see if I actually have the voice and expertise that everyone’s telling me that I’ve. I used to be accepted and that began my profession.

Within the second: For years Pagliacci was my favourite opera as a result of it was the primary opera that I sang. That’s completely different now. I’m at some extent the place I benefit from the second. My favourite opera is the one which I’m performing on the time.

Diego Torre in Opera Australia’s 2024 manufacturing of Tosca. © Jeff Busby, Opera Australia

Aiming for perfection: I imagine all singers assume this fashion. Perfection by no means goes to occur, however not less than it’s an inspiration that we now have. Perfection is the motivation that we now have to get higher each single time. I at all times give 100%—regardless of if it’s a efficiency or if it’s a rehearsal.

A fancy character: Canio is usually interpreted as a violent man. He’s extra complicated than that. He’s not one dimensional. He’s an outdated man making an attempt to maintain his firm working. He takes care of Nedda; he cares for the individuals in his troupe. Nedda is younger and has many lovers. However he marries her, nonetheless. It’s the best way that she defies him that breaks his spirit. He’s a damaged man who has no motive to go on. I’m not excusing violence towards girls. However in his state of affairs, I believe he acted as a result of he’s damaged.

Gamer on the highway: After I’m not singing, I cook dinner, play guitar, and play video video games. Name of Responsibility is my favourite. I journey with a Nintendo Swap. It’s probably the most transportable. I’ll deliver it with me. It’s a protracted flight from Sydney to Seattle.