Jorrell Williams says he found opera almost by accident in school music class, and found a love of both traditional roles and exciting new stories contemporary composers are approaching through opera. Elaine Alvarez heard opera from birth thanks to her music teacher mom, and she has remained in love with the "elemental communication" of music. Jonathan Burton found his love of opera thanks to the popularity of the rock band Nirvana (really!), which had an unexpected effect on his musical direction.
They're all singing in this weekend's production of the opera La Boheme by Giacomo Puccini this weekend by Finger Lakes Opera, led by artistic director Gerard Floriano (who found his way to opera after studying to be an orchestral conductor, who also studied voice and worked backstage in theatre).
Elaine portrays the fated romantic lead Mimi, and Jonathan is the poetic Rodolfo who falls in love with Mimi, while Jorrell takes the part of their fun-loving musician friend Schaunard.
These musicians have some great insights to share on their characters and this much-beloved opera, as well as perspective on their other work in the world of opera. Listen to our conversation above, and then experience their creativity, energy, and chemistry on stage in FLO's production of La Boheme Friday August 9th at 7:30pm or Sunday August 11th at 2pm, at the Canadaigua Academy.
