NYGASP ARTIST SPOTLIGHTS FALL 2020

2.    If you could play any G&S character who would it be and why?

I am so very lucky and grateful to have performed nearly all of my dream G&S roles on the NYGASP stage! In these COVID times, I mostly wish to sing any of them again! Voice type aside, I would most love to sing probably Elsie Maynard or Princess Ida for those heartbreakingly glorious arias, or Grosvenor, or the Pirate King! I have so admired my colleagues’ performances in these roles, and these characters are very thoroughly fleshed out. I think each of these roles especially have a delightful mix of gravitas, humor, and sass (remind you of anyone?)

3.    Favorite G&S show?

Oh, it is NO secret that I love The Yeomen of the Guard best! It is truly a grand opera, and some of Sullivan’s most beautiful writing. I will forever remember hearing dear Andrea Stryker-Rodda’s chimes-playing in the wings of New York City Center during the glorious act one finale. I was singing my first Phœbe, and she was in the stage right wings, so near Richard Alan Holmes (as my Papa) and me. It was simultaneously grounding, comforting, and utterly haunting. Maybe that’s my favorite NYGASP memory!!

4.     Tell us a bit about your training and performing background.

I grew up in CT, singing with my family and in every choir I could find, played alto sax, was a drum major of my high school marching band, and regularly sang the national anthem for school events! I entered Oberlin College Conservatory of Music as a music education major. (I sang in the alto section of the Oberlin College Choir right next to Genevieve Bergeret... maybe some of you know the surname?) In the same semester I fulfilled my student teaching assignment in a high school choral department, I was cast in my first opera role, as Oberto in Händel’s Alcina. I was officially bitten by the opera bug, and “added” a performance major. I then went on to complete an MM in voice performance at Boston University. I moved to NYC thereafter!

5.    How have the arts been helping you cope with the pandemic and related world issues?  (Or, why are artists essential?)

To be totally honest, it took me several months before I was able to sing; I felt so sad and directionless for a long time. But a few months ago, I resumed Zoom voice lessons, resurrected an aria I hadn’t sung in five years, began working on a few new arias, and began taking guitar lessons! It feels wonderful and freeing to practice music solely for the sake of creating, as opposed to perfecting something in preparation for performance or audition. It’s really permitted me to take a step back and examine why I’ve chosen and remained in this life: for the celebration of this glorious art form, and the sacred experience of sharing in music-making with my colleagues. 

6.    What’s the first thing you’d like to do once quarantine is over and we are past the COVID-19 crisis?

Hug all my friends! Sing together for hours!  

REBECCA L. HARGROVE

1.    How long have you been involved with NYGASP and what’s your favorite role/experience thus far? 

This is my second full year with the company. I've had the pleasure of performing both Peep-Bo and Yum-Yum on tour and in New York. Thus far, I had a blast performing Yum-Yum on the West Coast tour this past spring. 

2.    If you could play any G&S character who would it be and why? 

It’s a tie. I would love to try my hand at Mabel just for the chance to sing and play with “Poor Wand'ring One" and Josephine to sing the scena that is "The Hours Creep On Apace." That way I can say that I've finally sung the big three.

3.    Favorite G&S show? 

The Gondoliers will always have a special place in my heart.

4.    Tell us a bit about your training and performing background.

My introduction to classical music began at the age of 8 when I started playing the piano. My formal voice training was at Baltimore School for the Arts where I was first introduced to Opera and Art Song. I attended Oberlin College Conservatory, where my first full opera production was The Gondoliers! After attending Oberlin, I moved to New York to attend Mannes The New School for Music. Since finishing school I've had the pleasure of singing at New York City Opera, New York City Center, Carnegie Hall, The Metropolitan Opera, and NYGASP!

5.    How have the arts been helping you cope with the pandemic and related world issues?  (Or, why are artists essential?) 

I have always tried to use my own platform to speak out on social injustices, but it feels like due to COVID-19 people are really listening and engaging in productive discourse. It has been healing to share this moment with fellow artists to sing or say something meaningful. Staying creative in that way has helped me to cope with the uncertainty of it all. Artists are so essential right now because the world is depending on us, not only for entertainment, but also for an escape. 

6.    What’s the first thing you’d like to do once quarantine is over and we are past the COVID-19 crisis? 

I can't wait to travel internationally again. The first stop will be the beach!