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| We open our 2025/26 season with Gilbert and Sullivan’s nautical farce, The Pirates of Penzance. Soprano Vanessa Becerra is singing the position of Mabel and is making her Seattle Opera debut. Picture © Andrew Morstein |
Soprano Vanessa Becerra is raring to make her Seattle Opera debut in The Pirates of Penzance within the coming months. She’s equally wanting to sing the a part of Mabel for the primary time…properly, form of. On this dialog, Vanessa clears the air about this position debut, talks about her childhood quest for pop stardom, and explains her need to sing Figaro in The Marriage of Figaro. And also you’ll have the chance to listen to Vanessa once more this season; she’s additionally showing in Fellow Vacationers in 2026.
Seattle Opera: When did you change into keen on music?
Vanessa Becerra: In fourth and fifth grade I used to be hooked on pop music—Selena, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, and Spice Women. I listened to the radio on a regular basis and dreamed of being a pop star! I liked the concept of singing, however I did not know the best way to go about being a pop star. I imagined bought out concert events and listening to my voice on the radio! My mother—my poor mother—simply needed to take heed to me sing pop tunes all day. Then she discovered an afterschool kids’s choir for me. The choir was a gap for me.
Seattle Opera: Your choice of roles is broad—from one finish of the opera spectrum to the opposite. Why the range?
Vanessa Becerra: My repertoire displays that I like all kinds of opera. However there’s nothing like singing an enormous French opera like Romeo and Juliet. It’s simply so luscious, very grand, and delightful. I actually like bel canto. My instrument (voice) does that properly. My favourite roles are those the place I get to be foolish, play pranks, and discover alternatives to be human.
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| Though unlikely to occur, Soprano Vanessa Becerra goals of performing in Faust as Mephistopheles. Seen right here is Greer Grimsley because the Satan in Seattle Opera’s 1998 manufacturing of Faust. Picture © Gary Smith |
Seattle Opera: Whereas we’re on topic of roles, which of them are in your bucket listing to sing?
Vanessa Becerra: I haven’t thought of this in so lengthy, however I’ve a number of. The truth that I’ll most likely not get to sing a few of these elements is one thing to think about, however these roles are undoubtedly on my listing. Anne Trulove from The Rake’s Progress is one. Then all 4 heroines in The Tales of Hoffman. That will be actually cool. One other is Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos. This subsequent one could be out of the query: what about Mephistopheles from Faust? He is so evil. My all-time dream position is Figaro in The Marriage of Figaro. Loopy, proper? Sure. I like Susanna, however I’m obsessive about the play that the opera is predicated on. Figaro, the character, is my favourite opera character. Singing Figaro is primary on the listing.
Seattle Opera: The Pirates of Penzance is produced by group theatres, youth performers, faculties departments {and professional} firms. Have you ever carried out Pirates earlier than?
Vanessa Becerra: The reply is sure and no.
Seattle Opera: Oh, clarify.
Vanessa Becerra: Sure, as knowledgeable that is position a debut. However in highschool, my senior 12 months, I sang Mabel. I nonetheless have the rating from that efficiency. It has my notations from once I was 18 years previous.
Seattle Opera: In what methods are you approaching the position otherwise from whenever you have been in highschool?
Vanessa Becerra: In highschool, I used to be primarily involved with getting every little thing proper, ensuring I did not make any errors. I do not suppose I understood simply how enjoyable and playful Gilbert and Sullivan’s repertoire is. This time, I’m actually excited to sink my tooth into the silliness of all of it. It is so foolish! And I like being humorous. Comedy is tough. It is arduous to make individuals chuckle. I am having enjoyable searching for the little jokes and humorous moments which can be on this present. This forged is nice. It’s going to be foolish, foolish, foolish.
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| Love Island, the fact present, is one among Vanessa Becerra’s responsible pleasures. Picture © Peacock |
Seattle Opera: What are you presently binge-watching?
Vanessa Becerra: Oh my gosh, there’s a lot TV on the market. Okay. Effectively, it’ll be sort of dated, however I watched all of Love Island when that was on. I actually preferred Your Pals and Neighbors on Apple TV, after which I feel I’d restart The Studio.
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| Coco is Vanessa Becerra’s four-legged companion. Sadly, Coco just isn’t touring to Seattle with Vanessa this fall. Picture © Vanessa Becerra |
Seattle Opera: What’s the one merchandise that you just love taking with you on the highway?
Vanessa Becerra: If I might, I’d carry Coco, my canine. I want I might carry her with me to Seattle. However I must drive. She’s an enormous canine. I’m going to overlook her. However I at all times pack my yoga mat.
The Pirates of Penzance is on stage October 18–November 1, 2025 at McCaw Corridor. Be taught extra and purchase tickets at seattleopera.org/pirates.
