_{Artist of the Week} 20 Qs for Emily Rocha

What/who inspired you to sing?
As a child, I always loved to sing to myself around the house (mostly songs from Anastasia  and High School Musical) but never really wanted to sing for others until Taylor Swift’s song “You Belong With Me” came out and I auditioned for my school talent show with it. I didn’t get in, so I asked my mom to set me up with a singing teacher, and the rest is pretty much history! I grew up surrounded by music: my mom is a fantastic flute player, and my dad is a classical music and opera fan, so they both inspired a love of music in me early on.  

I didn’t have much interest in opera until I saw my first one (COC La traviata, 2015) after my dad suggested that I could be an opera singer. The artform in general inspired me so much – it’s such a heightened, multi-faceted form of storytelling that combines what I love most in  the world – music, DRAMA, fabulous costumes and sets, daring vocal acrobatics – into one incredible experience. My first opera experience stunned, devastated and touched me in such a significant way that I realized this was the only thing I could do with my life.  

Favourite place?
Porto, Portugal; Wellington, New Zealand; or cozy in my apartment in Toronto with my cat, Brian.

If you weren’t a singer, you’d be…?
I’ve always had a love for photography. I never had any formal training, but I really enjoy doing it, and I find it artistically complements my singing life!

Top 3 favourite composers?
Verdi, Gounod, Donizetti.

What’s your favourite opera house?
My current favourite opera house is the Canadian Opera Company, where I sang my  mainstage debut and have been a member of the Ensemble Studio for the past year. It has been such a dream to work here, and the Four Seasons Centre acoustics are incredible! I also really love the Palais Garnier of the Opéra National de Paris. It is such a significant and exciting house, with a beautiful Chagall painting on the ceiling.

Which opera role do you want to be singing right now?
I couldn’t possibly pick just one. My current wishlist includes Juliette, Adina, Pamina, Susanna, Gilda and Ilia.

Which role do you wish you could sing, but is not in your voice type? 
I WISH I could sing Lensky in Eugene Onegin. His aria is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard.  

What’s your ancestry?
Portuguese on my dad’s side and Kiwi on my mom’s side. I was born and raised in Canada.

Where’s your favourite coffee shop?
My favourite coffee shop close to home is First & Last on Dupont. Another café I think about often is in Berlin – I did a summer program there several years ago and went to Milchkaffee constantly (Kirschstraße 5).

What’s the best thing about being an opera artist?
I’m finding that it is always full of fresh, new experiences: exploring new places, meeting new friends in each production and constantly learning new things. An opera rehearsal/show period is probably when I feel most fulfilled and happiest.

Which album did you listen to last?
Matt Maltese’s new album (Hers), and before that, CINEMA by The Marías.  

What book are you reading at the moment?
Breath by James Nestor. It’s fascinating, and I think everyone should read it – it applies to singers, but even in the first couple sections it informed how I breathe in my daily life.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Ice cream. I am literally always ready for ice cream.

Which tv show did you binge watch last?
Recently I watched The Last of Us and Severance – both amazing. I also finally finished Breaking Bad and it was totally worth the (very late) watch!

What’s a big investment for an opera artist but totally worth it?
There are so many expenses associated with being an opera artist at any stage, so finding ways to support yourself alongside your singing is very important. Lessons and coachings with people you trust are a key part of a singer’s budget. In terms of material tools I couldn’t live without: my iPad and Apple pencil (they pack light and hold as many scores as you can imagine), a VocalMist nebulizer and Gelo ReVoice.

The music industry is tough and filled with rejection. How do you cope? Does it get  easier?
Rejection is a difficult part of this career. It doesn’t go away, and it’s something that I’ve had to find a way to live with. It has gotten easier with time, a team of people around me that I trust and therapy! Keeping in touch, working hard to improve myself and keeping informed have all helped me feel like I have some control over my trajectory. Above all, finding confidence and trust in yourself goes a long way.

What is the ultimate goal of opera?
Communication and connection. Whether it’s relating to a character’s hardship, or finding joy in the comedy onstage, I think we all go to the opera to feel something. Opera tells stories of our  experiences through the power of music and the human voice.  

When was the first time you cried at the opera?
Probably the first time I saw Madama Butterfly, which was at the Met. I was sobbing! It’s such a special, heartbreaking piece. I was fortunate to be a part of it this season at the Canadian Opera Company as Kate Pinkerton. 

Do you believe in fate?
Yes, I do! I think some things in life are simply meant to be, and there are signs everywhere. I think I was always meant to sing, for example. I was in university studying voice before I  discovered that my mom had had my stars read when I was born and the reading said I’d be a singer. She didn’t want to influence me by telling me that earlier in my life, and somehow, I found my way to it myself. I feel very lucky that my parents have been unwaveringly supportive of, and enthusiastic about, the path I have chosen.

Are you a perfectionist?
I used to be. Although I’m still critical of my work and constantly want to improve it, I have accepted that perfection doesn’t exist. It is so much more satisfying to be human in my art and expression: to let myself breathe.