_{OPERA PLACES} Andriana Chuchman take us to Houston, TX

City where you’re working?
I am currently working in Houston, Texas!

How long are you working on contract?
I’m making my role debut as Donna Anna here at Houston Grand Opera’s Don Giovanni in the thrilling Kasper Holten production. This is my third production with the company, first making my debut here as Pat Nixon in John Adams’ Nixon in China  in 2017, and then singing Michal in Handel’s Saul in 2019. We started Don Giovanni rehearsals March 18th, and the shows are April 19, 21, 27, May 1, 3.

What’s the opera house like?
The Wortham Theater Center, located right downtown, is home to Houston Grand Opera (HGO) and Houston Ballet. It serves as a cultural hub in Houston and houses two theaters, the Brown Theater and the Cullen Theater. We will perform Don Giovanni in the Brown Theater! The Brown Theater, with its striking design and acoustics, is the primary performance space for large-scale opera productions by Houston Grand Opera. It has a seating capacity of around 2,400 and is known for its grandeur and excellent sightlines. It’s an acoustically fabulous space in which to sing!

Where is the most peaceful place in the city?
This is a hard question to answer, because it’s so subjective! Even for myself, it depends what I’m looking for. Do I want to get some fresh air, pop in some AirPods to listen to a good podcast or audiobook, and stroll through a lush park? Or am I feeling a little lonely and want the comfort of being around other people in a bustling urban coffee shop? Both scenarios can provide peace for me! The next park on my list to wander through is the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center in Memorial Park. As for coffee shops, I’ll answer that after the next question!

Best coffee or tea?
When I come to a new city, neighbourhood coffee shops are the first thing I search for in Google Maps. When I was here for my debut season in 16/17, I stayed in Montrose, and was so pleased to discover a handful of great coffee shops within a mile radius! They included Campesino, Blacksmith, Siphon, and Southside Espresso to name just a few. Lots more to check out in this city, but my current fave spot this contract has been Brass Tacks in EaDo (East Downtown). It’s open late for a coffee shop, has a great coffee, food, and cocktail menu, has a nice vibe and lots of room in both its indoor and outdoor spaces, and is *always* busy, which I love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to?
If you know me, you know I love food. So I always seek out all the greatest spots in new cities, whether by word of mouth, or a quick google search of “top restaurants”-type lists. Houston has a vibrant and vast culinary scene. A couple of great spots to mention are Uchi – a fabulous sushi restaurant, and Nancy’s Hustle – New American cuisine. I’m calling out my hometown of Winnipeg for not having any good Mexican restaurants, so when in Texas, I have to hit up El Tiempo at least a couple times for some delicious Tex-Mex! And I must not forget to mention Texas barbecue – I’ve enjoyed the Pit Room, and Truth Barbecue, but there are definitely more to try. (…aaaaand now I’m hungry…)

An activity you have done that is unique to the area?
Some fun Houston activities I’ve done include going to an Astros game (with my husband, Adam and my Saul cast!); taking in the Menil Park and Menil Collection Museum in Montrose, and the Rothko Chapel right nearby; the Zoo in Hermann Park with my family (the lions took our breath away!), and strolling thru Rice University Campus (elegant architecture, lush green spaces, and Borofsky sculptures); and Buffalo Bayou Park (a great view of the downtown skyline, observing the bat colony under the Waugh Bridge, and the captivating Plensa sculptures).

Is there something unexpected that happens locally that you discovered?
Something I’ve noticed this time round in Houston is its vibrant street art scene with a diverse array of murals, graffiti, and public art installations scattered throughout the city. There is a stunning one on the Houston Ballet building, for example. From colourful abstract designs to large-scale portraits, you can’t miss these vibrant spectacles!

How did you find your accommodation?
HGO has a brilliant group of people in their rehearsal department, that will help you find any kind of accommodation you need. Whether a corporate housing or hotel situation downtown near the opera house or in a nearby neighbourhood. You could also find your own AirBNB in your desired neighbourhood, or rent from an opera colleague who lives here, but is away on a gig. I’ve done all the above during my time in Houston!

Is there anything you recommend beyond what we’ve asked here?
I’m grateful for the chance to discuss my work here in Houston and its vibrant cultural and culinary scenes. Working at the Houston Grand Opera allows me to contribute to this dynamic community, and I’m continually inspired by the city’s passion for the arts and its support for cultural institutions!