Opera Passport \\Maria Brea\\
Opera Passport is an exclusive Q&A series by 360° of Opera that catches opera industry professionals in action, from all corners of the world.
Our newest guest in the series is Venezuelan soprano Maria Brea, who is currently preparing to compete as a Finalist in the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition in Cardiff, UK. She competes in both the song and opera categories. BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2021 will be staged without an audience and takes place at St David’s Hall from Saturday, June 12 to Saturday, June 19, 2021.
David’s Hall in Cardiff, Wales, UK.Now in its 20th edition, the biennial competition has launched the careers of some of the biggest opera stars, such as Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Bryn Terfel, Jamie Barton and 2019 winner baritone Andrei Kymach from Ukraine. This year’s competition features singers from 15 countries including Austria, China, Denmark, England, Georgia, Iceland, Mongolia, South Korea, Russia, South Africa, USA, Venezuela, Wales and, represented for the first time, Madagascar and Kosovo.
Here is a little bit of background on Maria, which she shared on her competition profile:
I was born in Caracas and my father, a music teacher and cuatro player, taught me Venezuelan folk music from an early age. I’m a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music and Manhattan School of Music.
I was a semi-finalist in the Éva Marton International Voice Competition 2019. Recently, I won 6th prize and the Zarzuela prize at the 2020 Francesco Viñas Competition, which resulted in my debut at Barcelona’s Teatro Liceu in the winners’ concert. Other competition successes include first prize in the Giulio Gari (2017), New York Lyric Opera (2016) and second prize in the Gerda Lissner International Vocal Competition (2017). I was nominated as Best Actress in a Musical by ACE and awarded Best Musical Actress by the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors for my performance as Elena in El barbero de Sevilla by Giménez with the New Camerata Opera. In April 2020, I was selected to take the role of Frasquita (Carmen) at the Rose Theater, Lincoln Center, New York, and made my debut as Olga (Fedora) in December 2020 with Teatro Grattacielo, New York. I also performed the title role in the world premiere of Anton Coppola's Lady Swanwhite with Opera Tampa.
Photo Credit: Maria E. Brea1\\ Congrats! Being a part of this competition is already a huge achievement in itself, though you are not a stranger to high profile international competitions. Could you share with us what your previous experiences have been like and why you might be particularly excited about this one?
Dear Eugenia and 360 of Opera fabulous team! I just want to start by saying: Thank you! It is an immense privilege to be part of this series! I would say that my previous experiences have been all different. 5 years ago I was way more afraid hehe. What has not changed I believe is putting in the work as much as I can possibly do to give my best in the moment. For me, this competition means so much! The first time I saw it was from my house (in a slum in Venezuela) where I wouldn't have never thought I would end in a stage like that. Fast forward today I am grateful to just be able to do what I love, to sing music I deeply care about and represent Latinoamerica since I am the only latinx singer this year.
2. You are a new mom of two beautiful twin boys! Congrats to you and your husband! You’ve shared on social media a bit about your journey to getting your voice and mind ready for new singing adventures after giving birth. How has your team helped you with this so far?
Aw! Thank you so much for this question and the congratulations! We truly appreciate it. I just want to say that my team (family, voice teacher and mentors) have been INCREDIBLY supportive. When I started singing after giving birth my voice was in pretty bad shape haha. They were all there for me, cheering me on and helping me sneak in time to practice. I am beyond grateful.
3. What repertoire are you presenting at the competition and why did you make those selections? What is the rehearsal schedule like during the competition?
I am presenting a wide variety of repertoire since I am doing both song prize and opera prize. I am bringing some Venezuelan, Spanish, Sephardic, Belcanto, Mexican and more. I chose repertoire that resonates with my experiences and music that I just love to sing. I have 3 rehearsals and also tv. interviews. I'm currently in quarantine ( one more day to go!) and we have been having some really fun zoom sessions with incredible artists such as Dame Felicity Lott, José Cura and Dame Kiri Tekanawa.
Photo Credit: Maria E. Brea4. Is it your first time in Cardiff? Any favorites foods so far or places you hope to get a chance to discover during your time there?
It is in fact my first time here. I am hoping to visit some special places and try some foods. Once my quarantine is over I'll go for the longest walk of my life and see what I discover.
5. You are a Co-Founder of Latina Women in Opera, what are your hopes and plans for the future for the organization?
Latina Women in Opera is a platform dedicated to celebrating Latina and Latinx people in the opera community. Our three main goals include: promotion, accessibility, and education.
We have already created a concert series and educational livestreams . What I am hoping is that we more tangibly help latinx singers with mentorships, masterclasses and financial resources to be able to contribute even more in our community.
Thank you Maria for your time and insights! We wish you a big In bocca al lupo for your time in Cardiff!
Follow Maria on Instagram @maferbrea & @latinawomeninopera and visit her website for more information.