October 28-November 3, 2004

opera

Othalie Graham

Interview by David Shengold

Young Canadian soprano Othalie Graham, a standout as the Academy of Vocal Arts' Elektra last year, begins her professional career as the formidable ice princess in Puccini's Turandot -- that's the "Nessun Dorma" opera—in Wilmington this week. (Don't miss out on Opera Delaware's "Bargain Thursday" seats: $10-$25!) Recently this gifted singer told City Paper about her promising career.

City Paper: What was your road to opera and AVA?

Othalie Graham: I was born in Toronto; my incredibly loving mother still lives in Brampton. (My darling father passed away a few years ago.) I became interested in opera after my father got tickets for me to see a Leontyne Price recital. He did not know much about opera but knew that it would be good for me to see this famous black woman, a star of a different musical genre than I was used to. I was so blown away by her grace and beauty that I could not stop talking about it for months. I took some voice lessons as a teenager but did not learn very much and I went to university as a biology student. I loved music and quit university (much to my father's dismay) to try and find a voice teacher. I was introduced to Lois McDonall, a famous Canadian soprano --very fortunate! I had no formal voice training and no musical training. She insisted that I work with her frequently and that I take basic music classes at the local conservatory. It was hard work but she gave me a solid foundation. I was already 25 when auditioning for schools and it was very important to choose one that focused on performing in as professional a setting as possible, since I had no experience. I chose AVA because it exceeded my criteria. My current voice teacher Bill Schuman has helped to take me to the next level and build on my technique. AVA was very tough and tremendously rewarding. The tools that I learned there I use every day. Elektra was one of the greatest gifts that AVA could give me. I had to really act my fanny off; I was running around on that stage sweating buckets. It was surreal, and I will never forget it. It really stretched me dramatically and tested my musicianship.

CP: Turandot is often considered a "specialist part" due to its vocal demands. What are its challenges?

OG: My biggest "challenge" will be to stay calm. I get excited very easily, especially with that glorious music, but I need to keep a level head. I also have to try and not cry when I hear the orchestra. I had always dreamed of singing Turandot. I had just learned the aria "In Questa Reggia" a month before the audition, not thinking I would have such a fantastic opportunity at this stage of my career! I was just thrilled when I got the job: Opera Delaware is the perfect place to do what I am hoping will be the first of many Turandots. Turandot is a story that everyone can understand. The music is some of the most exciting in opera—just overwhelming at times in its beauty and emotion.

CP: What other music do you like?

OG: I went to the Prince concert recently and screamed my head off: What an artist! I am also a huge fan of Jimmy Cliff. The Harder They Come is my family's anthem CD. My father was born in Jamaica and I identify strongly with the music and culture.

CP:

What do you miss about home, and what have you come to like about Philly?

OG: I miss maple syrup, real snowstorms, my little dog and, most of all, my darling mother. We try and see each other every other month, but we talk on the phone at least 10 times a day! When I travel to other places, I miss Philly cheesesteaks, La Colombe coffee, the fact that as soon as one snowflake falls everything closes, my friends, my voice teacher and my coaches.

Turandot, Sat., Oct. 30, 8 p.m, Thu., Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m, Sat., Nov. 6, 8 p.m, Sun, Nov. 7, 2 p.m, $10-$64, Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del., 1 800-37-GRAND, www.operade.org.