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Opera singer enjoys trill of spotlight

Olga Perez sang the role of Tisbe in 'La Cenerentola.'

With her stylish short hair, brown eyes and lithe movements, Olga Perez could be mistaken for a dancer instead of an opera singer. At least one of those attributes can be traced back to her early childhood, when she studied ballet and dance. Typically for such a young ballerina, Perez says she “thought classical music was so beautiful.”

That affinity for classical music would become her lifelong companion.

Perez grew up in New Orleans, the first generation daughter of Cuban immigrants who love to dance. “I’m 100 percent Cuban and music is a big part of our lives,” she declares.

As a mezzo-soprano, she’ll be an understudy this fall in Arizona Opera’s Die Fledermaus, covering one of her idols, Stephanie Blythe, as well as singing roles in The Magic Flute and La Traviata.

 

Perez says growing up she felt somewhat detached from other kids around her. “I was the only Latina in my school,” she says. She joined her school’s chorus (“chorus for nerds!” she jokes) and was encouraged by her teacher to think about singing as a career. Perhaps, her teacher ventured, she might someday sing in Bizet’s Carmen. (Later, she would fulfill this Carmen prediction by singing the role of Mercedes.)

It was then, she says, “I realized there was something unique about my voice.” Once she was recognized for her talent, Perez says, she suddenly became more popular, which in turn set the teen on her current path. “Suddenly, it helped me to become part of my little society.”

In her senior year, she performed Summertime and won a scholarship to Loyola University; eventually, she transferred to Northern Arizona University. Now she is working on completing her master’s degree at Arizona State University.

Each year, Perez and other opera singers audition for the nation’s opera company stage roles in New York City. She’ll prepare by learning everything about an aria (a self-contained piece for one voice), from the rhythm and meaning of each word to the notes and nuances of conveying emotion to repeated practicing. By the time for the audition, she’s armed to dazzle directors.

Perez says parents should encourage their children

“I do believe everyone can sing,” Perez says. “I also believe in God-given talent.” She adds that Latino parents should encourage their children and set an example by singing little bits of songs every day, from cultural lullabies to popular songs.

“Singing comes directly from our speaking voices. There’s an innate connection that you make with your language and culture. Music is a wonderful way to do that.”