AboutPamela Thomas Expertise Questions on Opera performance, repertoire, vocal technique, acting for opera. I have some 20 years experience in opera in both leading roles and chorus. I have sung with New York City Opera since 1981. I have studied voice in NYC for over 20 years and have also taught technique and coached singers in acting.
Question Hi my name is laura I am 18 and I'm a coloratura mezzo-soprano.
At the moment my "performed" repetoire is pretty limited (Aida - I know this is soprano but I sing it- and Carmen)so I am really open to taking jobs and taking roles Ive never done before.
Anyway, an aquaintence offered me the role of Orfeo (from glucks Orfeo ed Euridice) The conductor is choosing to do the original Italian version.
I really dont know much about this role and I dont particullarly want to do it.
Should I?
Answer Hi Laura,
Orfeo is a wonderful role. It has been done by contraltos (Kathleen Ferrier was a great interpreter), mezzos (Janet Baker) and recently countertenors.
I would look at it - as I don't really know your voice or if this would be good for you. If you really are a coloratura Mezzo - I'm not sure it's right for you. But why don't you sing a bit of it and see how it feels? You should go on YouTube and listen to the arias (Che faro being the most famous)
Also - please remember you are only 18! And please, stop singing Aida - this is true Verdi and really needs a full lyric or spinto soprano. Carmen might be okay - but you want to be sure you don't get ahead of yourself.
Are you studying with a teacher now? What does he/she say? If you aren't, then I would try to find a good teacher. Are you planning to go to college or a music school? If you do that you will be able to find a good teacher who can listen to your voice and lead you in the right way.
You should buy the 24 Italian Songs and Arias book (published by Schirmer) - these songs and arias are beautiful and wonderful for the voice. Please look at these.
