Amanda Hall is making her Lyric Opera debut singing the role of Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte. She recently took some time to answer 10 questions. Read below to learn how Ms. Hall got started in opera, what roles she is interested in performing and why music education is in her genes.
1. How did your initial interest in the art form of opera begin?
Ms. Hall - My undergrad had a very small music program. I had always enjoyed singing, but mainly in ensembles and musical theater shows. My junior year the school put on their first ever opera production and I somehow ended up singing First Lady in a production of The Magic Flute! I was hooked, the next semester I switched my major to voice, and here we are!
2. Where did you grow up?
Ms. Hall – Lincoln, NE. Go Huskers!
3. Do you have a significant other? Children? Pets?
Ms. Hall – I have an amazing husband. He’s my best friend and my greatest support in all ways. I could not do what I do without him.
4. What is an average day like for you? Do you have a set routine?
Ms. Hall – Coffee first, or I’m of no use to anyone! Exercise, teach lessons depending on the day, practice, music study, make dinner for the hubby.
5. What is your favorite opera to watch/experience?
Ms. Hall – I could never see too many productions of La Traviata
6. What language(s) do you speak fluently?
Ms. Hall – Sadly I only speak English. But French is the closest to a second.
7. What story about your personal/professional life would audiences find interesting?
Ms. Hall – Heavens, I’m not sure. I suppose it could be that I come from a very musical family. My grandfather, father, mother, and aunt were all music educators, ranging from Kindergarten to college levels. My passion for music is a direct result of growing up in a family where it played a very important part in our everyday life. I’m very proud of them, and all music educators, especially in this time and economy. I feel like they carry much of the responsibility in making sure that classical music still holds a relevant place in society in the years to come.
8. What facts about you would our audiences be surprised to learn?
Ms. Hall – I was an Oboe/Music Education Major for almost all of my undergrad. I was going to be a middle school BAND teacher! : )
9. The opera role you haven’t performed, but would like to perform the most in your career?
Ms. Hall – Lucia di Lammermoor
10. If you bumped into me at a coffee shop and learned that I had never been to an opera before, what would you say to entice me to give it a try?
Ms. Hall – There’s a good reason it’s been around for hundreds of years!
To learn more about Ms. Hall, click here to visit her website.
Zachary Woolfe, a reporter for The New York Times, attended the Sunday matinee performance of Così fan tutte and reviewed the production. While his thoughts on the production of Così fan tutte were complimentary, the parts that stuck out to us were about the Company in general. Mr. Woolfe talks about how the Company has weathered the economic situation of these past few years.
