The Artist of the Week is Mexican-Canadian tenor Ernesto Ramirez. He will be singing the role of Alfred in Alberta Vocal Arts‘s production of Die Fledermaus from January 8th to 10th (tickets and info here).
Ernesto is known across Canada, the United States, Mexico and Europe for his distinctive Italianate sound. Recent performance highlights include Tosca with the Mississauga Symphony, Carmen with Orchestre Classique de Montréal, Adriana Lecouvreur with Calgary Concert Opera, La Traviata with Southern Ontario Lyric Opera and Messiah with the Hamilton Philharmonic, Thunder Bay Symphony and Stratford Concert Choir.
This week, Ernesto shares the performance that inspired him to sing, his favourite opera house and pokes fun at his fellow tenors. Read on to find out more.
What/who inspired you to sing?
I was seven when I saw Faust, I remember the tenor was Fernando de la Mora.
What’s your favourite opera house?
Teatro del Bicentenario in Leon, Mexico.
Which opera role do you want to be singing in 10 years?
Manrico in Il trovatore.
What’s something most people don’t know about opera life?
The time and effort that it takes to create a healthy instrument.
What’s your ancestry?
56% Iberian, 44% Native Mexican.
What’s your favourite classical group/orchestra?
Kronos Quartet.
What’s the luckiest thing that has ever happened to you?
The birth of my two kids.
What’s the downside of being an opera artist?
There is none for me. I love singing, I love my craft, and that is enough for me.
What’s the best thing about being an opera artist?
You get to speak other languages and experience other cultures.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
My mom’s chiles rellenos.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
Eagle.
Do you have a funny joke for us?
How many tenors do you need to change a lightbulb..? 100 – one to change it and the rest to say they would do it better!
When did you know you wanted to be an opera singer/conductor/instrumentalist?
I just stumbled into it.
If you could be stuck in an elevator with one person, who would it be?
Guillermo del Toro.
Who has been inspiring you lately?
My dad.
Do you think singers and performers have a more powerful inner life?
Performers live deeply inside emotion, but every life has its own inner universe.
Does singing help keep you young?
No, but breathing does.
What is the ultimate goal of opera?
To mirror and expose our humanity.
What is happiness for you?
Being present.
What’s the most important lesson you learned from childhood?
To never lose the ability to see the world with curiosity, even through repetition.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ERNESTO RAMIREZ
VISIT HIS WEBSITE
© Arturo Lavin González
As Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly with Opera de León
© David Cooper
As Leicester in Maria Stuarda with Pacific Opera Victoria
©Glenna Turnbull
As Don José in Carmen with Opera Kelowna
Die Fledermaus
Alberta Vocal Arts
GABRIEL VON EISENSTEIN: Martin Renner Wallace
ROSALINDE: Kathleen Morrison
DR. FALKE: Jason Cook
ADELE: Elizabeth Fast
ALFRED: Ernesto Ramirez
FRANK: Aaron Durand
PRINCE ORLOFSKY: Barbara King
FROSCH: Michael Shepherd
IVAN: Dylan Martin
STAGE DIRECTOR: Shandra Gallant
MUSIC DIRECTOR/PIANO: Carlos Foggin
TECH DIRECTOR: Cue1
The hit operetta returns! A sparkling comedy and true audience favourite, back by popular demand.
A growing Calgary tradition, Die Fledermaus returns for its 3rd year with the original cast that stole audiences hearts. This sparkling comedy is always highly attended and remains one of our most beloved annual productions.
Set on a wild night of champagne, disguises, and delightful revenge, the story follows Gabriel von Eisenstein as he delays going to jail to attend an extravagant party. His wife, her suitor, and half of Vienna have plans of their own, and the result is a whirlwind of mischief, mistaken identities, and glorious melodies. A party is never complete without special guests, and you can expect a few surprises to appear along the way.
Performed in the original German with English dialogue, with real time supertitles for all sung sections.
Join us in the beautiful Heather Edwards Theatre at Contemporary Calgary, where you can enjoy a glass of prosecco from the bar as you watch the festivities unfold.
Pre show chat at 6:30. This welcoming introduction features the artistic director, stage director, and music director who will share insights about the story, characters, and what to listen for.
Performance at 7:00.
A lively, joy filled evening and a true Calgary favourite, back by popular demand!
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