Being someone who reads a lot of interviews with opera singers, I've come to realize that most interviewers ask the singers boring questions. It's the same old thing again and again: Was there music in your house growing up? What were you going to study if not music? Tell me about the time your voice imploded and you contemplated nose diving right into the pit like a live swan in a production of "Lohengrin".
Boring. For the singer being interviewed and the reader perusing the pages (or screen, as it were).
So here follows my list of questions I would ask if I were ever to interview an established opera singer (note: these were all originally posted to my Twitter page, so apologies if you've already seen them):
If you could sing any role, regardless of voice type or fach, what would it be?
If you and your partner could star in an opera together, what would it be?
What's the funniest mistake you've ever made onstage?
What's the scariest thing that's ever happened to you in a performance?
If you could turn any book or movie into an opera, what would it be and why?
What is one role or production that you'd never want your kids to see you in?
Have your children ever been completely traumatized by one of your performances?
What are some cultural misunderstandings you've had when traveling for work?
What is one thing you absolutely draw the line at doing onstage?
What would your dream vacation be?
Who's your silliest colleague (in a good way)?
Do you and your colleagues ever prank each other? If so, how?
What's the last performance you cried over? And don't you dare say, "many".
What are some burning questions you would ask?
4 comments:
1. Have you ever taken a contract out on another singer/conductor/director?
2. Is there anyone you absolutely refuse to work with?
3. Would you roll naked in a tub of Jello for your favourite director?
Haha, I love John's as well! I applaud your zeal, Christie, and think these ideas deserve adoption.
At the risk of sounding like the journalists in Roman Holiday, I'd be tempted to ask about singers' favorite restaurants in various cities.
@John-Love them! Especially #3.
@Lucy-I think singers would be a fabulous source of restaurant recommendations. Definitely a question to add to the list. And referencing Roman Holiday is never a bad thing.
"-I think singers would be a fabulous source of restaurant recommendations"
Kyle Ketelsen became an expert on poutine joints when he was singing at COC
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