{TUSK} Tell us about yourself.
I am a Canadian girl who loves her life in Colorado. I came out here from New York as a Resident Artist with Opera Colorado in 2007. One of my now mentor’s, Leigh Holman, was the Director of Outreach with the opera company is now the Director of Opera at CU Boulder. I auditioned in Manhattan for her on a cold fall day in 2006. That day changed my life forever. The contract was for five months. We toured this glorious state and sang all over Denver. I fell in love with Colorado and have not looked back.
{TUSK} What inspires you?
Life. Learning. Experience. People. History.
{TUSK} What do you love most about singing and performing?
I love sharing the music of another time, world and culture.
{TUSK} If you could sing for anyone living or deceased, who would it be?
My grandmother. She passed away in 1993. She was an incredible woman. She never knew my voice, but she continues to inspire it.
{TUSK} What is the most fascinating place you have visited? Lived?
I lived in South Africa as an infant. My parents did not want me being raised in the horror of the Apartheid, so we moved back to Canada. The country is so rich in nature, culture and history. It is tragic to see what has happened in such a magnificent place.
{TUSK} What do you enjoy doing outside of singing?
I have discovered an amazing community through my favorite activity, Turbo Kick. I try and get to as many classes at my local 24 Hour Fitness as possible. I find this to be the most inspiring workout, full of good friends, good music, awesome boxing and dance moves!
{TUSK} When did you first fall in love with Opera?
My parents used to drag me to the opera, and I used to call it child abuse. I’ll never forget one night that they forced me to go see Manitoba Opera’s production of “Carmen” after a long day of a softball tournament. I tossed and turned in my seat constantly asking my darling mother when Carmen was going to die. When Don Jose killed Carmen, I sobbed so loudly that people “shied me. That was the beginning of my life as an opera singer.
{TUSK} What is your favorite piece to perform?
La Traviata. I love the title character with my entire heart and soul. She is a good woman who is faced with painful decisions alongside her illness. This opera holds some of the greatest music ever composed.
{TUSK} Now that you have settled into Colorado a bit, have you discovered any favorite haunts? Restaurants or otherwise?
The Thin Man. I love my home away from home. The employees and regulars have definitely adopted me into the family.
{TUSK} Where can TUSK readers see you perform?
CU Boulder
{TUSK} What interested you about TUSK Magazine and why did you want to be a part of it?
A woman whom I admire on a personal and artistic level recommended TUSK to me. Kerry Pastine, lead singer of my favorite band, The Informants, is also my Life Coach. She is one of the most inspiring singers/musicians I have ever seen and heard. I trust anything that Kerry suggests. Once again, she was right on!
