What do you think of the technology being used in PermaDeath?
Being somewhat of a video-game newbie myself and learning about all the different components of creation and execution of video games, I’m very intrigued and excited to work in an environment where two different mediums meet. When working in opera, I find that every single detail of every aspect of regular requirements of opera (staging, lighting, costumes, etc) influences my interpretation of music and how I hear it, so I’m very excited to see what new horizons will open up in adding this element of technology.
Who is a musician you look up to or see as a positive influence? Why?
The musicians I look up to and who inspire me the most are usually the ones I’m working with on a current project, so it’s singers in the ensemble and musicians in the orchestra. I learn a lot from my colleagues and am always interested in what stories they have to share. Since moving to the US six years ago, I’ve been really fortunate to work with some of the people I respect a lot – Julian Wachner is someone I look up to as a composer and a conductor, George Manahan is another conductor whom I’ve learned a lot from. A few composers that I’ve had a chance to work with this past season and who have intrigued me to hear different things in music are Matthew Aucoin, Gregory Spears, Rene Orth, Michael Gordon, and David Hertzberg.
What non-musical activity do you enjoy doing on your down time?
A couple of years ago I started water-skiing and really enjoy it. But other than that, I enjoy studying and learning languages, and am always looking at expanding my knowledge in that area.
If you could share a meal with any composer, living or non-living, who would it be and why?
I think it would be Leonard Bernstein. I have always been fascinated by his multi-talents and the ability to convey ideas in music. The musical legacy he has left, not just with his own work as a composer and conductor, but as an educator of an entire generation is incredibly inspiring.