More interviews and music clips at www.mnopera.org/watchlisten.
Where are you based when not performing?
Jacquelyn Wagner (soprano, Fiordiligi)
Berlin, DE
What advice do you offer aspiring artists?
First and foremost, really be brutally honest with yourself and find out if you can REALLY make it in the business, meaning if you will find work. I have seen too many artists really struggling, and it’s quite a sad thing! But, after that, work hard, take what you can, and by all means, only do it if you love it!
What is your favorite Twin Cities destination?
I haven’t had much time to explore the city, but I really love all the parks around here. The Stone Arch Bridge is also quite beautiful.
If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be?
Never thought about it. I guess lots of water, my husband, and a piano.
What has been the most challenging piece you have worked on and why?
Probably a modern piece that I did in school but don’t remember what it was called anymore. But, that kind of rep isn’t a part of my normal rep, so I don’t have another answer than that.
How has music changed your life?
I’ve never been without it, so it’s so a part of my life that I don’t really know how it changed it. My dad is a musician so I really grew up with it. I guess it has helped identify me, and allowed me to express myself in a way that I can’t do with words and actions.
If you had to choose a different field of work, what would you choose?
Oh man, I think that I couldn’t really do much else. I’ve thought of that way too many times, and I’ve never come up with an answer. I would really have to do some soul searching for that!
Are you really as scandalous as they say you are?
Haha, you must be talking about someone else!
Is there any “haute” backstage gossip you would like to share from this or previous performances?
No. We don’t have any backstage gossip. Only goofing around!
What are your top three favorite operas?
Too difficult. Maybe top three composers? Strauss, Puccini, and Wagner
Nina Olsen, clarinet
What made you decide on a career in the arts?
I don’t know that anyone decides on a career as a performer. It’s more of a calling or a compulsion, and I feel fortunate that I have the opportunity to follow it.
How long have you been working with opera?
Since the Fall of 1989. My first production was a tour of Madam Butterfly through Iowa, Northern Michigan and South Dakota.
What do you think makes Minnesota Opera unique from other companies?
The (relative) intimacy of the Ordway, and the emphasis on Bel Canto and Contemporary operas.
What is your favorite Twin Cities destination?
The Opera pit at the Ordway.
What has been the most challenging piece you have worked on and why?
Nixon in China was the hardest technically, John Adams has high expectations of the clarinet section!
How has music changed your life?
Because music has always been a part of my life, I would say that it has defined a path rather than changed my life.
If you had to choose a different field of work, what would you choose?
I think being a NPR radio journalist would be interesting.
Are you really as scandalous as they say you are?
I am far more scandalous than most people know.
Besides opera, do you have any other favorite genres of music? What are some of your favorite artists from that genre?
My mother loved Pete Seeger and Mahalia Jackson, and I love musicals. Pete Seeger and Stephen Sondheim are my favorites.
Name your top five favorite movies.