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Ipparco in Cavalli’s L’Egisto

[/et_pb_slide] [/et_pb_slider][et_pb_testimonial author=”Andre Gaudet” url_new_window=”off” quote_icon=”on” use_background_color=”on” background_color=”rgba(244,171,171,0.83)” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” quote_icon_color=”#e02b20″ body_text_color=”#000000″ border_style=”solid” body_font_size=”20″ body_font=”Lobster||||” _builder_version=”3.0.67″ quote_icon_background_color=”#f5f5f5″]

“It has been over 2 years since I have performed in an opera. I am truly grateful to Nina and everyone at HOSF for making this a wonderful experience!”

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Where are you from? How did you first get interested in opera or musical theatre? 

Born and raised in Beaver Bank, NS (about 30 minutes outside of Downtown Halifax). I found my love for opera/musical theatre in High school. I always sang in choirs and it wasn’t until that point that I realized that voice lessons where things one could take part in. About 6 weeks into voice lessons, I was bit by the opera bug. I am very fortunate to have a family that supports me in this wild journey of creating this phenomenal art. They have rarely missed a performance and I am so grateful for their support.

When did you start studying voice? Where are you studying now?

I started studying voice privately in grade 11. I started my undergrad in 2010 at Dalhousie, where I studied with Lucy Hayes-Davis and Dr. Gregory Servant. After graduating in 2015 I have been working full-time and continue to study privately.

What came first for you, theatre or music?

Music. 100% I sang in choirs from the time I was in grade 3. I suffered from crippling stage fright throughout grade school, which hindered my ability to even think about walking on the stage.

What are your dream roles?

Oh… that is a loaded question… I will give you the short list: 1) Any Mozart! Guglielmo, Love his music and Character; Don Giovanni, because he is a beast; Papageno, (even though I might not be the most suited vocally)because I think he is a fascinating character with many layers and would love the chance work into them. 2) Marcello and/or Shaunard – La Boheme. I would love to sing either of these roles, I just want to have the excuse to be in this opera. It is one of my all time favourites. Beautiful music paired with a Beautiful story… win win. 3) Rodrigo – Don Carlo. Now… this is a role that, if I am ever able to sing it, it won’t be for many years. It require perfect technique and a vocal maturity that I, a 26 year old baritone, don’t have….. yet.

 What arias, songs or entire roles belonging to other voice types would you like to perform?

Another Loaded question! The top 3 roles that belong to another voice time would be:
1) Lady MacBeth from Verdi’s MacBeth
2) Dalila from Saint-Saens’s Samson and Dalila
3) Dido from Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas ….. can you tell I like dramatic voices?

Who are your favourite performing artists?

1) Jessye Norman
2) Dmitri Hvorostovsky
3) Kristin Flagstad
4) Jamie Barton
5) Christine Goerke
6) Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
7) DAME. Joan. SUTHERLAND!

What’s the most embarrassing song on your phone/tablet/streaming playlist?

Jessye Norman’s “Christmastides” Album…. in full. hahahaha

How should we as interpretive artists deal with works that are racist and/or sexist? What can be done to make opera relevant to the next generation?:

Well – the first thing that comes to mind is Gender bending productions.. Like – I would really love to see a Gender bent “Don Giovanni” (with myself as Donna Elvira, naturally). However, I think that taking the concepts of the stories in opera and placing them in a society that is more relevant to today is an interesting way to make it more relatable. If we keep Don Giovanni as an example, you can find shocking parallels between how Don G treats women and how even in todays society there is still the objectification of women through the “male gaze.” I think, going in the direction of providing a critical view on today society would make opera more relevant today and for future generations.

What are you most enjoying about this summer?

Singing!Singing!Singing!Singing!Singing!Singing!Singing!Singing!Singing!

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Thanks, Andre! You can see him perform Ipparco in L’Egisto on Wednesday August 9 or Saturday August 12, both shows at 7:30 pm at the Studio Theatre in the basement of the Dal Arts Centre!

Are you a participant or staff member this year? Why not submit your own answers to our questionnaire!

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