Learning to fly
This season has been a rollercoaster of creation, performance, and personal growth, and I’m grateful for every moment. From premieres to competitions to deepening my commitment to health and balance, this has been a time of renewal, challenge, and perseverance.
One of the greatest honors of my season was originating the role of Amanirenas, Warrior Queen in Kandake with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. This opera has developed across three phases: September, November, and February - allowing us to build something truly from the ground up. Qur Kandake Amanirenas, the historical queen of the Kingdom of Kush, led her people to victory against the Romans, proving that resilience and vision can change history. Bringing her story to life has been both humbling and empowering. The brilliance of our composer and librettist (Tim Amukele and Jarrod Lee) made this journey even more rewarding, and I know that this opera will see A-houses. This is the duo to keep an eye out for!
This spring, I’ll work with Chicago Opera Theatre for She Who Dared, a project I first workshopped in September. The opera tells the story of Claudette Colvin, the young woman who refused to give up her bus seat nine months before Rosa Parks, yet was left out of history. It’s a privilege to be part of this piece again, surrounded by so many noteworthy voices. I’m especially excited to bring Jasmine Barnes’ music to life. Her sophisticated composition style has even been praised by the great Graham Johnson. I’m looking forward to a fulfilling time behind the scenes and on stage - celebrating the impact of Black Women.
Concert repertoire is becoming a season staple for me, and I’m thrilled to sing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony this April - especially near a beach! Earlier this month, I was also honored to be a Finalist in the Gerda Lissner Competition. Though I didn’t place, I’m sincerely grateful for their financial gift, feedback, and the opportunity to sing alongside such fierce talent. The future of opera is bright!
This past December, I had the joy of performing at the Friends of Opera Columbus Holiday Gala - a fantastic evening attended by some of Ohio’s greatest, including my dear OSU voice teacher, Dr. Karen Peeler. Very appreciative to still be connected after nearly 15 years! Looking ahead, I’m excited to visit Colorado to sing Aisha McNair in the premiere of The Knock with Central City Opera. Not only is this an exciting new work, but I’m also looking forward to hiking a mountain or two with an old friend who lives there. And, of course, I can’t wait to visit the real-life “Whit’s End” from Adventures in Odyssey - a childhood dream come true!
This year, I’ve worked more jobs than Barbie. I’ve worked in retail, customer service, grading state tests, barista, waitress, babysitter - you name it! While it’s been a distraction, it’s also reality. Supporting yourself and finding balance is part of the journey. Learning to survive is learning to fly (so long as I keep my goals in sight). Most of these opportunities have been in the Midwest, meaning I’ve had to leave NYC to maintain a certain quality of life. To my coaches: I apologize that we haven't had the chance to connect lately. I hold you all in high regard and look forward to reconnecting and collaborating once I'm fully settled. We’re still in this together!
I’m celebrating a 50-pound weight loss, which means I’m halfway to my ultimate two-year goal! I’ve been taking Pilates and boxing classes and can already feel the difference in my breath support and stamina. With a bit more free time, I’ve returned to some old hobbies: tennis, golf, songwriting, and sound engineering. In honor of the late Mark Rubinstein, a legendary audio engineer whom I had the pleasure of learning from, I’ve been diving back into the world of sound. If you’ve ever listened to Grover Washington, Jr., Aretha Franklin, Backstreet Boys, 3LW, or Natalie Cole, you’ve heard his engineering work. I’m also investing in language study with exciting plans in mind, and I’m officially launching my clothing line!
As I navigate this season of transition, I remain patient, trusting that the future will unfold as it’s meant to. Integrity and nearness to God are the most important parts of this journey, and everything else will come in its time.
I’m making the most of it!
