Canadian soprano Mikayla Sager takes us to San Jose, where she is singing Mimì in Opera San Jose‘s production of La bohème (info and tickets here).
Mikayla was an Adler Fellow at San Francisco Opera in 2022 and 2023. As a Fellow, she made multiple main stage appearances including Guardian of the Temple in Die Frau ohne Schatten, Kate Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, Image No. 1 in El ultimo sueño de Frida y Diego and Sister Felicité in Dialogues des Carmélites. Other career highlights are performances with Venture Opera, Festival Napa Valley, Hawaii International Music Festival, New York Philharmonic and an appearance at Carnegie Hall.
While in San Jose, Mikayla shares the history of the California Theater, where to get the best cocktail and the spookiest spot in the city. Read on to find out more.
City where you’re working?
I’m currently working at Opera San Jose in San Jose, California.
How long are you working on contract?
The contract is a total of seven weeks. We started rehearsals in mid-October, and our final performance is December 1st.
What’s the opera house like?
We are performing at the California Theater, which is absolutely gorgeous. It was built in 1927 originally as a motion picture house, was restored in 2001, and reopened in 2004. The acoustics are phenomenal and the architecture feels connected to the Spanish history of the city.
Where is the most peaceful place in the city?
I love sitting in the Municipal Rose Garden to find peace and tranquility.
Best coffee or tea?
I love Nirvana Soul and Coffee and Water Lab!
Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to?
The best cocktails I’ve found in town are at Paper Plane! I also love a cocktail with the same name – the paper plane!
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An activity you have done that is unique to the area?
I’ve spent most of my time in rehearsal or commuting, so unfortunately I haven’t had a ton of time to explore; that being said, hiking in California is unmatched!
Is there something unexpected that happens locally that you discovered?
Winchester Mystery House is in San Jose, so even though it’s not necessarily an event, I would say going there during Halloween is pretty scary and exciting!
How did you find accommodation?
I’m staying in the same apartment I lived in while I was an Adler Fellow at San Francisco Opera during 2022 and 2023, so I’m actually commuting back and forth from San Francisco.
What’s the most important thing you think of when it comes to finding accommodation as a singer?
Space to practice if it is allowed in the apartment, and if not, being close to the opera house so you don’t need to stress about warming up and bothering the neighbours!
Have you had a chance to explore some galleries or museums?
I have not been to any in San Jose, but I would highly recommend the Legion of Honour and SF MoMA in San Francisco! The area where the California Theater is located is called the SoFA, which is the arts district and very interesting.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MIKAYLA SAGER
VISIT HER WEBSITE
© Mikayla Sager
In costume as Mimì
© Mikayla Sager
The California Theater
© Mikayla Sager
The Municipal Rose Garden
La Bohème
Opera San Jose
November 16-December 1
RODOLFO: WooYoung Yoon
MIMÌ: Kearstin Piper Brown
(Nov. 16, 24, Dec 1)
MIMÌ: Mikayla Sager (Nov. 17, 22, 30)
MARCELLO: Kidon Choi
MUSETTA: Melissa Sondhi
SCHAUNARD: Jesús Vicente Murillo
COLLINE: Younggwang Park
BENOÎT/ALCINDORO: Philip Skinner
PARPIGNOL: Eric Mellum
La Bohème returns to Opera San José in an exuberant production set in Christmas-time Paris following the Great War. In this tantalizing tale of young artists living on the edge, poet Rodolfo is implored by Mimi, his alluring and delicate neighbor, to help light her last candle. Immediately infatuated, they embark on a dizzying and ultimately tragic relationship. From bustling cafés and raucous parties to spirited debates, the pair, along with their band of idealist friends, chase happiness against impossible odds. OSJ’s Stage Director in Residence Michelle Ainna Cuizon makes her mainstage debut helming this masterpiece; OSJ Music Director Joseph Marcheso will conduct.
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Máiri Demings is Opera Canada’s digital content specialist. She’s also a mezzo-soprano who has sung with Tapestry Opera, performs regularly with VOICEBOX: Opera in Concert and Toronto Operetta Theatre, and is one half of duo mezzopiano with pianist Zain Solinski.
