Monica Conesa, the American-Cuban soprano, and Diego Torre, the Mexican-Australian tenor. Each are making their Seattle Opera debuts as Nedda and Canio. Uncover how they began, their creative influences, and favourite previous occasions.
Monica Conesa, Soprano
A dream come true: This position could be very, very particular to me as a result of it’s one of many operas that I fell in love with first. As a teen, 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 position debut, I assume that I’ve been getting 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 It’s been cooking in my head since I used to be 14 or 15 years outdated.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 medical doctors—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: To this point, my profession has been loopy. I sang my first position in Area di Verona as Aida. I’ve carried out fully in Europe at locations like Teatro Campoamor de Ovieda and the Palazzo Mauro de André. Not solely is that this my position debut, however it is usually my US debut. I’m so, so, so excited!
What would a therapist say: My voice? She’s my finest good friend. She’s stuffed with potentialities. She will be probably the most lovely light cushion, after which she generally is a knife. I don’t know if that’s an outline of my voice, however typically that’s how I really feel after I sing. My voice is at all times excited to strive new issues and can attempt to push the bounds. 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 advised that my voice is like Maria Callas. It began after 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 residence with out it: I journey all over the place with my Bialetti Moka Pot. She’s my child. It’s a recreation changer, particularly after 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 little thing—pleased and unhappy occasions. I’m advised 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 advice of my elementary college trainer, my mother and father agreed to get me voice classes. In highschool the lecturers 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 good friend 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 consider all singers assume this manner. Perfection by no means goes to occur, however at the very least 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%—irrespective of if it’s a efficiency or if it’s a rehearsal.
A fancy character: Canio is commonly interpreted as a violent man. He’s extra advanced than that. He’s not one dimensional. He’s an outdated man making an attempt to maintain his firm operating. 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 way in which that she defies him that breaks his spirit. He’s a damaged man who has no purpose to go on. I’m not excusing violence towards girls. However in his scenario, I feel he acted as a result of he’s damaged.
Gamer on the highway: Once I’m not singing, I cook dinner, play guitar, and play video video games. Name of Obligation is my favourite. I journey with a Nintendo Change. It’s probably the most transportable. I’ll convey it with me. It’s an extended flight from Sydney to Seattle.
Pagliacci runs August 3–17, 2024 at McCaw Corridor.
Tickets and information at seattleopera.org/pagliacci.
