I’ve been spending a lot of my time this Fall at the San Francisco School of the Arts. No, it’s not like High School Musical all day long (I can only dream…sigh), but it is one of the most competitive, high level and talent-full places in the Bay Area to study Classical Music…if you’re into that kind of thing. Let’s be clear. Kids are into it. I am so over reading articles about the youth of today having no interest in real culture and that Classical Music is dead. OVER IT. It’s a full on lie. I’ve seen these kids…
Author: Rhoslyn Jones
Rhoslyn Jones
Opera Singer - Soprano Rhoslyn Jones is quickly becoming an important presence on both the concert and operatic stages of the world. Described as a “superb singer and artistic presence,” Ms. Jones’ voice is “luscious, and her soul opens forthrightly and generously to the audience.” Recently, she covered the role of Roxane opposite Placido Domingo’s Cyrano de Bergerac at the San Francisco Opera. Signature roles include the Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro, Tatyana in Eugene Onegin, and Mimi/Musetta in La Boheme. She has performed leading roles with Arizona Opera, Vancouver Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, Pacific Opera Victoria, Pittsburgh Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, and San Francisco Opera. She has appeared as a featured soloist with Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and New York City Ballet. Originally from Aldergrove, B.C., Ms. Jones holds an undergraduate and masters degree from the University of British Columbia, a Diploma in Opera Performance from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, and was selected to be a participant in the Merola Program, which led to a two year Adler Fellowship at the San Francisco Opera.
People ask me all the time what it’s like being an Opera Singer. I have my standard answers that I recycle and reuse whenever necessary. They ask me all sorts of things, and I’ve noticed that strangers have absolutely no problem delving into the most personal of information immediately upon meeting you. “Oh wow! You’re an opera singer? Don’t you have a real job? How do you handle moving around all the time? That must be really hard on your personal life. You’re not getting younger are you? Don’t you want kids?” Holy Mary. Cut to the core of me,…
I used to hate blogs. I found them pretentious, whiney, and worst of all; full of poor grammar and spelling. That being said, I also understand the importance of them. The need for people to express how they feel is something I sometimes take for granted. I am an Opera Singer. We express ALL DAY LONG. Having a bad hair day? Vent your frustrations by singing some Strauss lieder. So beautiful, and full of love and line, you’ll forget about the rat’s nest on top of your head. Angry with your boyfriend? Take a crack at Donna Anna’s “Or sai…
Do you ever hear stories about yourself as a kid and wonder, “Was that really me? I didn’t really do or say those things did I?” It happens to me all the time. Lately, I’ve noticed that stories about me from my childhood depict a fearless, spunky, and kind of bossy little lady. As I’ve grown older, it sometimes seems that I’ve only hung on to the bossy part of that equation. The rest of those attributes are often scared into the corner or quieted by nay-sayers, critics and unfortunately, my own self-doubting brain. I’m working on it ok? Don’t…
I recently found myself at a bar in NYC screlting along to Beyonce and dancing my face off with a few friends. (Screlting? The combination of screaming and belting. It’s a fine art form perfected by years of post secondary operatic training. Useful on roadtrips, 1980’s power ballad sing-alongs, and at gay bars). I remember saying to my friend that, “Beyonce is amazing! A true diva. I really think she’s one of the best of our generation.” My friend replied, “Absolutely! Beyonce is on that list for sure….and so is ROZ JONES!!!” Shortly after that, the bar started singing (screlting),…
Nearly 10 years ago I was at the end of an unbeatable year of singing. I was 23 years old and had just finished my Master’s Degree in Opera (Yes, you can get a degree in Opera…just ask me! I have 3. They make fantastic laminated placemats). I had been auditioning for every school/program/competition I could think of, and I got into every single one of them. Juilliard Opera Center? Yup. Canadian Opera Company Ensemble? Yup. Curtis Institute of Music? Yes. Metropolitan Opera Competition? Won a TON of money with laryngitis. Montreal Opera Young Artists, Women’s Guild Competitions, CBC Radio…
I used to be a complete snob when it came to yoga. I figured that if I wasn’t sweating, struggling, and in pain, then it wasn’t a workout. The way I was raised, there was no problem on earth that couldn’t be solved by going for a jog. Just sweat it out. Run until you throw up! Now your old problems have disappeared and your only worries are side cramps and vomit on your sneakers. Hooray! Problems solved. (Not that my parents and volleyball/soccer/track coaches were wrong; I always feel empowered, invincible, and ready to take on the world after…
People tell me all the time that I “look like an Opera Singer.” As a closeted self-conscious woman, I automatically assume that means I look like a combination of a bearded Luciano Pavarotti, and a viking with long golden braids holding a spear. Is that so bad? Not really, but I happen to be a woman and I spend money to get rid of any extraneous facial hair. “Perhaps,” says the tiny optimist in my head, “they think I look glamorous and well put together. Perhaps they think my face is the kind that belongs on the STAGE! Perhaps…