A Dialog with Brenda Rae

SEATTLE OPERA: This manufacturing of Salome is your position debut. Why tackle this character now?

BRENDA RAE: I don’t consider in predicting the longer term, however a number of colleagues urged that I ought to have a look at it. Once I did, I used to be like, “Oh. Oh, I believe this might work.” I really like singing Strauss. I’ve sung a number of his repertoire. I’m conversant in his melodic language, his harmonic language, and the way in which he makes use of the textual content and the drama. My voice is maturing. And whereas I won’t be your typical model of a dramatic soprano, I consider it’s time for me to do Salome. When the chance at Seattle Opera got here up, I stated, “Oh my goodness. Yeah, let’s do it.”

Bass-baritone Tómas Tómasson, left, as John the Baptist in Salome. Irish Nationwide Opera, photograph

SEATTLE OPERA: Salome is one in all opera’s most enigmatic characters. What are your ideas about her?

BRENDA RAE: My opinions about Salome will not be absolutely fashioned, they usually’ll proceed to develop as I study the half. Even after I do that manufacturing, my opinions will in all probability change and morph. However I’m excited to take her on. Salome is a singular character—she objectifies a person and she or he’s objectified as a lady. Her stepfather is creepy and she or he’s creepy. Salome is female and masculine. Salome is on the perimeters of society and she or he would not actually care. Plus, her wrath is aware of no bounds. “I need his head!” she declares. She’s an interesting character that I’m desperate to discover.

Brenda Rae (Semele) and Alek Shrader (Jupiter) in Seattle Opera’s 2015 manufacturing of Semele. Elise Bakketun, photograph

SEATTLE OPERA: Semele and Lucia are two different roles that you just’re acknowledged for singing. What’s it about ladies who shouldn’t be toyed with that curiosity you?

BRENDA RAE: I take into account myself a pleasant particular person. I’ve been informed that I’m. I’m from Wisconsin and now dwell in Minnesota. I’m very “Midwestern good.” However as an actress, I wish to suppose that I can play all kinds of characters. A few of my buddies have informed me, “Folks simply do not suppose they will mess with you.” I really like bringing that high quality of myself to the stage.

SEATTLE OPERA: As an opera, what do you consider Salome gives audiences in 2026? 

BRENDA RAE: Strauss wrote Salome early in his profession, and he actually went out on a limb with the instrumentation. Listeners, even immediately, will hear a number of sounds that they’re not used to listening to within the orchestra. Musically, listeners can not help however be excited. It’s like opera’s model of a rock live performance. It simply grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. On high of that, the subject material continues to be form of surprising to audiences. Irrespective of the staging—custom or stylized—this opera makes folks see what’s occurring on the earth immediately. Folks won’t like Salome as an individual. And I don’t suppose it’s obligatory for folks to love her. However I do consider they are going to really feel dangerous  for her as a result of she nonetheless is, on the finish, oppressed.

SEATTLE OPERA: Did you develop up in a musical family?

BRENDA RAE: My mother and father cherished music however weren’t professionals. My mother loves taking part in the piano, however simply as a passion. They each get pleasure from classical music and took us to live shows on a regular basis. Our city has a music conservatory the place we attended scholar recitals. They took us to our first opera in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, once I was 11.

Despite the fact that in first grade, my music instructor despatched house a notice that stated I had musical expertise, my mother and father have been towards the concept of beginning classes earlier than I wished to take them. I used to be 9 once I began singing in a choir and started piano classes.

Brenda Rae in Opéra Nationwide de Paris’s 2023 manufacturing of Lucia di Lammermoor. Emilie Brouchon, photograph

SEATTLE OPERA: What sparked your curiosity in opera, particularly?

BRENDA RAE: I wished to be a singer-songwriter. At first, I studied all of the genres of music—I sang numerous jazz, some musical theater, and I wrote a few of my very own music in highschool. My brother performed guitar and wrote music. We sang in espresso outlets and different locations. In faculty, my first music instructor knew I wasn’t all for opera, so I didn’t pursue it till I transferred to a bigger college the place I used to be surrounded by college students finding out all kinds of music. There, I attempted opera for the primary time. I’m so grateful that I did the sleepwalking scene from La Sonnambula. I used to be like, “If that is opera, then I will deal with it.”

SEATTLE OPERA: You as soon as stated, “All the pieces is psychological in our occupation.” What did you imply by that?

BRENDA RAE: As singers we’ve got our voices, however we additionally must get by way of psychological roadblocks. We’re like athletes. We prepare our our bodies. We prepare our voices. Nevertheless, ultimately, in case your mind can’t get behind it, your mind can mess with the whole lot your physique and voice are doing. So, singers must take care mentally.

SEATTLE OPERA: Your voice has been described as “freaky.” Care to elaborate?

BRENDA RAE: A good friend of mine informed me as soon as that my voice has a “sixth gear” as a result of I’ve numerous energy in my higher register that not numerous coloratura sopranos have. I consider that “additional gear” goes to assist me minimize by way of the orchestra in Salome.

SEATTLE OPERA: How do you regulate when singing completely different repertoire? Do it’s important to compartmentalize while you go from a job like Salome to a bel canto position? 

BRENDA RAE: Usually, my voice tends to go between repertoire fairly nicely. I began my skilled profession as an ensemble singer—a “Fest” singer in Germany—the place I sang 4 various things inside brief intervals on a regular basis. I bought used to going between repertoires. 

Now that I’m older, I’ve the privilege to pick out roles and take extra time between them. Proper now, I’ve numerous new items. Upcoming are Daughter of the Regiment and Salome. Once I give it some thought, that’s form of humorous as a result of they’re utterly reverse.

SEATTLE OPERA: Is it true that you just’re a fan of Dungeons & Dragons?

BRENDA RAE: I’m a fan, however I’m not a part of any campaigns proper now. Once I’m touring, I play video games on the iPad with my youngsters. It is a great way to remain linked with them even 4,000 miles aside. We play World of Warcraft, and I wish to begin them on Dungeons & Dragons after they’re older.