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 I am a dramatic soprano (as determined by my voice teacher who holds a Doctorate from Eastman). I have a very rich, dramatic soprano voice and could also sing Mezzo-Soprano roles. I have a great deal of singing experience, both in choirs and as a soloist. I would love to become an opera singer but my problem is that I am 42. I don't have unrealistic expectations of becoming a first-rate diva, however, would be very happy to sing in regional operas. Is it too late for me? How should I go about this? I am also a semi-professional pianist and organist and teach piano as well. I learn music and language very quickly, have excellent diction and can sight read extremely well. I also studied voice and piano at the university level for two years.
Answer Hi Lisa,
Although dramatic sopranos peak later than other voices it's true that at 42 you would probably have a bit of a struggle. But if you look younger and don't let people know how old you are - if you can pass for mid 30's that would be great. In other words - don't volunteer your age!
If you and your teacher think you are ready then why not audition for some of the regional companies. Or audition for the Met Opera's young artist program. They have auditions all of the time, I'm pretty sure. They will understand it's takes longer to discover the dramatic voice.
What repertoire do you know? Have you studied the complete roles as well as the arias? I would certainly think about working on one or two... they key to getting hired is knowing the role. Even if you could sing it with a smaller, local opera group - that would help.
You certainly have the musicianship to make it work. And there just aren't many real dramatic sopranos (or dramatic mezzos) around - so you might have a shot.
You don't say where you live - but if you are in or near a large city and they have an opera company - you might sing for one of the coaches and get their feedback.
But check out the regional companies... the only thing there is that they do want people who have done the role somewhere. They usually don't take a chance on "unknowns" because they have to "get the curtain up" and it seems they will sacrifice a lot for the comfort that comes from hiring someone who has performed the role they are doing - it's safer. But if there are smaller companies in your city (in NY - Regina Opera, Bronx Opera, DiCapo Opera) - these small groups might give you a chance to build up your repertoire and learn roles. And it's usually a safe place to perform.
Anyway - I would say try - why not? What have you got to lose? Especially if you love singing and love opera - you'll enjoy singing no matter where you are doing it, right?
