Wolf Trap Opera Alumni: Why I Sing

Jun 25, 2018

Each summer, the best young professional classical singers from around the world come to Wolf Trap to participate in the powerful and magical experience that is a Wolf Trap Opera residency.

An operatic career is both grueling and gratifying, and while opera is glorious, it is an obscure art form in the 21^st century. What is it about singing opera that attracts these 20- and 30-somethings? Alumni of Wolf Trap Opera weigh in:

Kenneth Kellogg, bass

“Of all the things I’ve tried in life, it’s the one that gives me the most joy. Music has taken my life to places I never thought I’d be.” – Kenneth Kellogg, bass

Kellogg (WTO ’10, ’11) is a Washington, D.C. native whose career has taken him to opera houses across the U.S. and Europe.

Photo: WTO’s 2011 production of Sweeney Todd, credit Andrew Propp.

Elizabeth DeShong, mezzo-soprano

“Elevating the human experience through music and drama at its highest level and sharing that with strangers is a gift. We unify through the extraordinary.”-Elizabeth DeShong, mezzo-soprano

DeShong just finished a spectacular season that included starring roles at The Metropolitan Opera, Washington National Opera, and the U.K.’s Glyndebourne Festival.

Photo: WTO’s 2009 production of Ariadne auf Naxos, credit Carol Pratt.

Alan Held, bass-baritone

“I didn’t choose opera. It chose me.” -Alan Held, bass-baritone

Held (WTO ’87, ’88) enjoys an international career which includes the role of Wotan in Wagner’s Ring Cycle at San Francisco Opera, the Vienna State Opera, Washington National Opera and beyond. He is featured in The Best of Wagner’s Ring at the Filene Center on July 28.

Photo: WTO’s 1988 production of Don Giovanni, credit Carol Pratt.

Jamie Barton, mezzo-soprano

“There’s nothing quite as thrilling as vocally soaring over a full orchestra.” –Jamie Barton, mezzo-soprano

Barton (WTO ’09) is the winner of the Beverly Sills Artist Award, the Richard Tucker Award, and the Cardiff Singer of the World Competition. She regularly stars at The Metropolitan Opera and other large houses in opera capitals around the world.

Photo: WTO’s 2009 production of The Return of Ulysses, credit Carol Pratt.

2018 FILENE ARTIST ZOIE REAMS

This summer, Wolf Trap welcomes 20 outstanding opera singers who are already on their way to significant careers. One of these remarkable Filene Artists shares her passion for singing:

Zoie Reams, mezzo-soprano

“Opera is a grand but honest performance art that counters all of our 21st century ways. It’s a form of storytelling that is completely different than a movie, a tweet, or a Facebook post!” -Zoie Reams, mezzo-soprano

Reams sings Maddalena in Wolf Trap Opera’s new production of Verdi’s Rigoletto at the Filene Center on August 3.

Photo: Credit Scott Suchman