I'm a soprano for the Metropolitan Opera in New York. In three weeks, I'll be performing with Branford Marsalis and the Mainly Mozart All-Star orchestra, which features top musicians from the LA Phil, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Phil and dozens ...

Would you encourage young people to try to pursue operatic singing as a career these days? Or would success be too unlikely?

I would encourage young artists who want to pursue opera as a career to do so, but to also be expansive in their approach to what “successful” actually means. When you remove the expectation that there is only one avenue to be successful, you open up so many possibilities to simply create magic! I have friends who went to college with me and used to sing, who are now the most amazing opera directors that I love working with. It takes so many people to put on just one show, the singing is only one route :) I hope to get into other avenues myself someday other than just singing.

Have you ever or would you ever record vocals for a film/television score/soundtrack?

Yes! I just did my first one this summer! I can’t say what show it is yet, bit it was the COOLEST experience being on set and recording vocals in the studio! I’m excited to it more in the future. :)

Most vocalists have at least one story about being forced to improvise or adapt in some sort of memorable (and possibly comical) way. What tale comes to mind for you?

Oh this is a good one! I was asked to sing jump in to sing Musetta in La Boheme on 3 days notice for rehearsals for the Santa Fe Opera! I learned the role, memorized it on the plane, and showed up ready for rehearsals Monday morning when our lovely director asked if I could rollerblade. I’m always up for a challenge, so I did all of Act 2 on rollerblades! 😂🛼💖

Do you get lightheaded when you sing in head voice the really high notes ? That used to happen to me.

Also what is the most beautiful piece ever written in your opinion ?

Hahah! Great question!! Sometimes I do because of the energy and focus that it takes to sustain it!! But I think it might be the rush of adrenaline. 😅

Best piece ever written I would have to say is the Méditation from Thaïs by Massenet!!! 😍

If you could change anything about the opera business, what would it be?

What a great question. If I could change anything, it would be diversifying the stories that are told. For too long, it has been predominately centered around Eurocentric stories. I believe it can be an enormous vehicle for stories that represent the BIPOC experience.

What makes an opera an opera? Is Jesus Christ Superstar an opera (usually referred to as a rock opera)? Hamilton? Does it have to have operatic music in it?

In my opinion, opera is a language, a method of expression and storytelling that can include a wide range of art forms in collaboration. I would think the main difference in those other works & Opera works is the style of singing. The composers are all using the same notes in progressions, in their own unique ways of course. As opera singers we spend countless hours perfecting our technique to be able to make our voices sound the way they do, and project through the house without any amplification :)

How much of an influence does the opera director have over your artistic interpretation of a role? In other words, how much does your performance of Mimi change from one company's production to the next?

There is a level of preparation I like to do first before even arriving to day one of rehearsals. I love having my own character back story, doing my research and having a general idea of the story I want to tell, but really the joy of it all is that it’s all malleable. That’s what makes this art form so special. You’ll never create the same character twice which to me is beautiful. It’s a true collaboration with the director and I would even go so far as to say a collaboration with my colleagues, with each orchestra member, the conductor and even set, lighting and costume designers. For me everyone’s unique perspectives inform what ultimately becomes of Mimi, or whichever role I get the privilege to revisit. :)

What is the preparation like before a big event?

Loads of sleep, lots of self care, some exercise, tons of water, prayer, mediation! These are all necessary for me to feel my best! 🙏🏼🧘🏻‍♀️✨

This might not be your department, but what's the audience for opera like these days? Is it aging out?
I've never found opera that I can get into, so I'm not sure when you're supposed to.

I think it varies depending on the location, but I will say that there is definitely a huge shift right now of opera houses expanding their audience to become more inclusive of all ages & demographics. I would say a great place to start would be checking out if your local parks have any upcoming outdoor concerts... (if you're in the San Diego you can check out the Mainly Mozart festival, I’ll be singing Sept 11th! 😉)

Which opera do you wish would be performed more often?

Hmmm.... I would say Florencia en el Amazonas by Daniel Catán! The music is pure MAGIC! ✨

I may be too late for the questions, but apart from the Met, what's your favorite venue to perform at?

The Hollywood Bowl was such an amazing experience to sing in for the first time earlier this year. 😍

This could get heated, but best pizza in NYC?

Oops I’m Vegan. 🤭 😂 but before I was vegan, any 99¢ slice at 2 am. 😂

Favorite musical?

Oooo for sure In the Heights by Lin Manuel Miranda! I would LOVE to be in it one day. 🤩

What's your go to karaoke jam?

Amor Prohibido by Selena ✨💃🏻 😍

There is a lot of text and melody (and possibly dance, acting, etc) in a stage play. How do you manage to remember everything? How long does it take to learn everything regarding a completely new opera and could you briefly explain how it's done?

I agree, there is definitely a lot of multitasking that goes into performing live. Everyone has different methods for how they prepare for their own performances. When I get a new role to dive into, I’ll give it a listen first, do some research, background information in the composer/ librettist, find out information on the source material, then I’ll start with text, translating it all from whatever language it’s in to English, then to Spanish (that way it’s really ingrained in my brain 🙃) then I’ll speak through rhythms, and I’ll add the notes slowly. When all of that’s done, then I’ll bring it to coaches and voice teachers. It’s a process but necessary so that I have the confidence during the rehearsal process to really let go and create something magical with everyone. Depending on the length or the difficulty it can take me anywhere from a few days to months to put something up. 😊

What are your favorite roles?

Thanks for your question!! 🤗 My favorite roles to sing are Mimi because of her resilience, Contessa because of her compassion and Liu because of how heart wrenching her music is!

What's you favorite era of the Grateful Dead?

I’ve never actually heard any of the music from the Grateful Dead so I will have to get back to you in that answer!! 😅😂

At what age did you begin singing, and when did you realize you wanted to make a career out of it?

Hi Courtney2222! I started singing before I can even remember in my father’s church, but classically, it wasn’t until I was in college that I decided to sing operatically. I actually started out as a saxophone and tuba player first. 😂😂