Your repertoire is a mix of coveted roles from traditional opera, as well as new opera (The Passenger, Prima Donna, Heart of a Soldier). Do you find any differences in the process of rehearsing and performing new versus traditional works?

The process of learning new roles is much different, mostly because there is little to no primary information or performance practice to study. Therefore, the learning happens at the piano or with a trusted coach with no previous information about the piece. No tempi from other conductors. No colors from other singers. Just the words and the music, and the music can be tonally difficult if it is newer. Newer music, not always, but often, does not just “fall” into the ear the same as a more traditional western harmony would.

What does it feel like to sing Wagner’s music? How did you discover that your voice suited this repertoire?

It feels like heaven to sing this music. It is a perfect “lean” into an orchestra that supports and urges forward. I suppose, in singing larger Puccini roles, that I began to see room for roles like Senta and Sieglinde, as did professional coaches and conductors surrounding me - who encouraged me to begin looking into Strauss, Wagner, and Janáček.

Can you tell us about your involvement in An AIDS Quilt Songbook: Sing for Hope?

I was asked to look at a beautiful song, “One Child” by Gregg Kallor, and I was absolutely in love with it: the culmination of its creation, the genesis and growth of the foundational story behind it, and the association with AMFAR. I love supporting humanitarian efforts; especially for a continent that pulls on my soul the way Africa has for my entire life.

Are there any roles of yours with which you’ve had a particularly strong connection? How does that affect the learning process?

I have an incredibly strong connection to Tosca. I believe the role has been calling me since my first walk into the door of classical music. If my love of the opera affected my learning process differently, it would probably be because I was emotionally invested BEFORE learning the role instead of AFTER learning it.

Are there any roles or projects that are on your “bucket list”, that you’ve not yet had a chance to fulfill?

My bucket list still includes the Marschallin, Ellen Orford, Jenůfa, Sieglinde, and Minnie.