Artist Name: Kaden Forsberg
Voice type: tenor
Role you’re singing this year: Sam Polk in  Susannah

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

I was born and raised in Edmonton Alberta and did not grow up listening to opera or classical music. I was always a sincere fan of music. One of my favorite past times was listening to an album start to finish in my room. I only started singing myself when I auditioned for the Musical Theater program at my high school. I wound up playing Marius in Les Miserable and enjoyed my experience so much, I decided to keep going!

Continuing with Musical Theater, I started studying Classically at University hoping to solidify my technique. However, by my third year, I found myself more interested in Classical music and began to consider working towards singing Opera, Oratorio, and Art Song. I’ve continued with that since and am loving the opportunities I’ve had to sing early music and concert repertoire along with opera!

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

Like I said in the last question, I studied Musical Theater starting in high school and through some of my Undergrad. After graduating from my Bachelors program, I moved to Victoria BC to study with Benjamin Butterfield for two years and will be beginning my Masters with him this fall at the University of Victoria.

What came first for you, theatre or music?

Music and Theater happened simultaneously for me. I have had only a few opportunities to be in theatrical productions that were not musical. However, I have definitely enjoyed those experiences and would like the opportunity to further explore theater.

What are your dream roles?

Tamino (Die Zauberflöte) – Because he sings Mozart’s greatest tenor aria!
Rodolfo (La Boheme) – Arguably, Che Gelida contains the best high C available in the tenor repertoire. 😉 
Camille (Die Lustige Witwe) – I’ve studied the role and I like his character…but honestly, it’s because the duet he sings with Valencienne.
Nemorino (l’elisir d’amore) – The drunk scene!!!

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

Starbuck from Jake Heggie’s Moby Dick
Micaëla from Bizet’s Carmen
“Mein sehnen mein wähnen” from Korngold’s Die Tote Stadt

Who are your favourite performing artists?

Fritz Wunderlich, Moxy Fruvous, Foo Fighters, Luciano Pavarotti, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Elina Garanca, Marianas Trench.

How can we keep opera a relevant art form for young people? What is the future of opera?

I think that the operatic repertoire as well as concert and art song have so much to offer young people. I do not believe we need to dress classical music up in gimmicks attempting to make it more appealing or modern. The authenticity of this music we work with and the beauty of melody, harmony, and text are timeless. I tend to think the a lack of interest in opera generally comes from a lack of exposure. I am not saying opera is something that is instantly enjoyable, it is certainly an acquired taste. But I believe that people interested in art, in expanding their horizons will find much to explore in classical music if it is made available to them.

What are you most looking forward to about this summer?

I am looking forward to collaborating with old friends as well as a number of new artists! I know the shows HSOF is putting on this year and am so excited to see them come together and be performed.

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