Performer’s Package

Then there is the new adage that “it ain’t over ’till the black dress sings.” Well, there are certain realities that nibble way at tradition. Why is it a law that an opera singer must be fat, or skinny, for that matter? Norman Treigel wasn’t fat, his voice certainly was. Pavarotti was not slender; did it lessen his vocal appeal? But then, if you really want to embody a character onstage, isn’t it part of your discipline and responsibility to look like that character as well? Aren’t singers athletes? Aren’t we a performance package?

Might the age old tradition change? Is it possible to look great and sound great? Isn’t it possible to have fine acting and singing – one complementing the other? I remember a night at Utah Opera when we greeted patrons still in our Aida costumes. A man grasped my hand and said, “you sang so beautifully, you. . .you.” and tears filled his eyes. It wasn’t just my voice that touched him, but a woman & a princess torn by jealousy whose heart broke for all to see. Why not have nights of great singing and great theater? It has happened — it is called excellence. Is it easy to do? No. Are the results worth the effort? Most definitely.

In Adria, we have a fearless performer capable of embracing all aspects of the stage and captivating any audience. In working with Adria, I realized that the use of her voice and her body, as beguiling and astonishing as can be imagined, was only the first step in discovering the soul behind it; that primal force of energy that gives life to what performers do, and meaning to an artist’s existence. Adria’s rich life experience will help many performers a great deal, particularly the ability to put it all in perspective.
Roland Peelman, Conductor & Artistic Director, The Song Company, Sydney, Australia