Canadian soprano Olivia Smith takes us to Philadelphia, where she is singing the role of Donna Anna in Mozart‘s Don Giovanni with Opera Philadelphia from April 25th to May 4th (info and tickets here).
Olivia is currently a third year Adler Fellow at San Francisco Opera. Along with her house and role debut in Philadelphia, she sang the role of Micaëla in SFO’s Carmen Encounter this season. She is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, first place winner of Opera Grand Rapids’ VanderLaan Prize competition, received an encouragement grant from the George and Nora London Foundation for Singers and received both the Online Viewers’ Choice Award and the Ana María Martínez Encouragement from Houston Grand Opera’s Eleanor McCollum Competition.
While in Philadelphia, Olivia shares the history of the opera house, the best place to grab dinner and her favourite stand at the farmers’ market. Read on to find out more.
City where you’re working?
Philadelphia.
How long are you working on contract?
I’m in Philadelphia for five weeks. I’m usually on contract in San Francisco in my third year of the Adler Fellowship with SF Opera.
What’s the opera house like?
The Academy of Music is a particularly beautiful space. Napoleon LeBrun designed it with influences from La Scala, although it is more American in size. There are beautiful gold and red accents, and it has a 5,000-pound crystal chandelier. It is also the oldest operating opera house in America – it opened in 1857 and is now a designated National Historic Landmark!
Where is the most peaceful place in the city?
Just a few blocks from the Academy of Music is Rittenhouse Square. I love seeing the magnolia trees in full bloom in the spring! I also enjoy grabbing a sweet treat and bird/people watching in the square.
Best coffee or tea?
Elixr is my go-to coffee spot this trip – but when I’m mixing it up with a fun flavour I like to see what Vibrant has in season.
Coolest bar or restaurant you’ve been to?
I have a couple old favourites from when I lived in Philadelphia. Parc is a French restaurant on the square with an amazing French onion soup, perfect for a rainy day. Dan Dan is my go-to spot to order in. They have a great mapo tofu, and Sampan has a great happy hour!
An activity you have done that is unique to the area?
There’s a farmers’ market on Saturdays in Rittenhouse Square that I always look forward to! I lived in Philadelphia for four years, so I was very happy to find my favourite pickle stand is still here and as good as ever. 😊
Is there something unexpected that happens locally that you discovered?
Having lived here, there hasn’t been much that surprises me, but I always love seeing how excited Philly sports fans are – on game days of whatever sport is going on at the time you will see crowds of people in their teams colours.
How did you find accommodation?
Thankfully, the wonderful Opera Philadelphia organized all my accommodation for this engagement! I usually would look into different homestay apps like Airbnb or Verbo. I also think it’s great when possible to find housing through friends of friends!
What’s the most important thing you think of when it comes to finding accommodation as a singer?
For me, I’ve learned that finding a place that feels comfy and cozy is very important. It’s hard to be away from home, so having a space where you feel at ease and can unwind after rehearsals is a must. Another priority for me is proximity to rehearsal spaces/opera house. I commute 45 minutes in SF, so being a 15-minute walk (20 minutes in heels) to the Academy of Music has felt like a luxury!
Have you had a chance to explore some galleries or museums?
I haven’t had much time yet, but I’m really looking forward to some plans I have! There’s an immersive exhibit I’ve been keen to try called Otherworld Philadelphia. Philadelphia also has some of the most amazing murals and outdoor art installations, so a walking tour is definitely on my to-do list!
LEARN MORE ABOUT OLIVIA SMITH
VISIT HER WEBSITE
© Olivia Smith
Rittenhouse Square
© Photo used with permission from the artist
In rehearsal for Don Giovanni
© Olivia Smith
Magnolia petals in Rittenhouse Square
Don Giovanni
Opera Philadelphia
April 25 – May 4
CONDUCTOR: Corrado Rovaris
DIRECTOR: Alison Moritz
DON GIOVANNI: Timothy Murray
DONNA ANNA: Olivia Smith
DON OTTAVIO: Khanyiso Gwenxane
DONNA ELVIRA: Elizabeth Reiter
LEPORELLO: Nicholas Newton
ZERLINA: Amanda Sheriff
MASETTO: Kevin Godínez
COMMENDATORE: Raymond Aceto
A Beloved Opera about a Despicable Man
Mozart’s riveting masterpiece follows the charming predator Don Giovanni, a man who uses people without a care for their hearts, or the consequences of his actions. All the while, the sleazy nobleman’s loyal servant records his master’s misdeeds. When he murders the father of a woman he’s assaulted, Giovanni sets in motion events that could lead to his downfall. Will he get away with his crimes and unrepentant pursuit of selfish desire? Or will there be hell to pay?
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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.
