 | Singer Spotlight Lisa-Dawn Kilthau |  |
Mezzo-Soprano Lisa-Dawn Nelsina Kilthau is thrilled to be collaborating with many talented musicians for this wonderful excerpt concert. Lisa-Dawn had the incredible opportunity of bringing to life the title role in Massenet's Cinderella, working with DragonDiva Operatic Theatre this past summer. She was immersed in the production from start to finish, performing as well as participating in the technical side. Lisa-Dawn has worked as a costume technician and designer for a wide range of productions; Cinderella was a pleasure to costume and an even greater pleasure to sing. Lisa-Dawn currently studies under the tutelage of baritone Dale Throness. She began her formal vocal training in 2002 at Kwantlen University College, and continued her academic studies through 2010 when she graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Masters in Opera. Lisa-Dawn's recent performances include the role of Julie Riel in the Western Canadian Premier of Harry Somer's masterpiece Louis Riel, La Suora Zelatrice in Puccini's Suor Angelica, and the mother in Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel. Lisa-Dawn also had the honor of creating the role of Antonia Wolff in the world premier of Lloyd Burrit's The Dream Healer. Lisa-Dawn hopes that you will make it to see the Minoru Nights Opera show and will join DragonDiva again in the future for more incredible music and entertainment.
We wanted to get to know Lisa-Dawn a
little better so we asked her a few
questions. Here is her responses.
(Q) Can you tell us about one of your
favorite moments that happened during
a DragonDiva Production?
(A) I really love the entire process of
creating a role - learning the music and
language, absorbing the staging, creating
realism by adding your own subtext, bringing the characters to life with costumes and make-up...Cinderella was definitely a dream role to perform; the music is stunning, you have plenty of stage time to let the character develop throughout the show, and what girl wouldn't want to play the heroine in the fairytale of all fairytales? But the very best moments are when everything comes together, and for a short space of time you forget that you are performing. This happened for me in the forest scene, a duet between Cinderella and the Prince. I was incredibly lucky to have the talented Dionne Sellinger play my Prince. The blend of two mezzo-voices was a stroke of genius on Massenet's part; litteraly every time we sang that duet, I would get shivers. Our last performance seemed to gel particularly well, and when the curtain came down at the end of that scene, Dionne and I were so thrilled by how it went that we just stood there in a great big bear hug, and I almost missed my quick-change for the next scene.
(Q) Do you have any hobbies or activities that you
like to take part in during your free time?
(A) I love dancing; I do a lot of swing and blues
dance, and enjoy a wide variety of other partner
dances as well. I think it is just another form
of simultaneously connecting to people and music.
I also really enjoy cooking and baking, especcialy
with friends. And when I can make the time, any
form of art; jewelry making, drawing, painting etc.
(Q) Can you describe what it is that draws you to
the Opera stage?
(A) I am a relatively shy person; it might be hard to understand, but the though of public speaking scares me. Performing takes me out of myself, and allows me to express in ways I wouldn't be comfortable with otherwise. I love that I can take on a character and be someone else for a space of time; flamboyant or timid, outspoken or reserved. The options are endless. Opera can bring stories to life, with all of the different elements.
Thanks Lisa-Dawn for taking the time to answer our questions and let us get to know you a little better.
DragonDiva Fans it is a little more than a week away to our season opener at the Minoru Chapel Opera Nights. Seating is very limited so don't miss your chance to see this concert of hits from previous seasons.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=173112002741382
Be sure to keep updated with our blog. Our next update is only a few days away featuring soprano Szu-Wen Wang.
little better so we asked her a few
questions. Here is her responses.
(Q) Can you tell us about one of your
favorite moments that happened during
a DragonDiva Production?
(A) I really love the entire process of
creating a role - learning the music and
language, absorbing the staging, creating
realism by adding your own subtext, bringing the characters to life with costumes and make-up...Cinderella was definitely a dream role to perform; the music is stunning, you have plenty of stage time to let the character develop throughout the show, and what girl wouldn't want to play the heroine in the fairytale of all fairytales? But the very best moments are when everything comes together, and for a short space of time you forget that you are performing. This happened for me in the forest scene, a duet between Cinderella and the Prince. I was incredibly lucky to have the talented Dionne Sellinger play my Prince. The blend of two mezzo-voices was a stroke of genius on Massenet's part; litteraly every time we sang that duet, I would get shivers. Our last performance seemed to gel particularly well, and when the curtain came down at the end of that scene, Dionne and I were so thrilled by how it went that we just stood there in a great big bear hug, and I almost missed my quick-change for the next scene.
like to take part in during your free time?
(A) I love dancing; I do a lot of swing and blues
dance, and enjoy a wide variety of other partner
dances as well. I think it is just another form
of simultaneously connecting to people and music.
I also really enjoy cooking and baking, especcialy
with friends. And when I can make the time, any
form of art; jewelry making, drawing, painting etc.
(Q) Can you describe what it is that draws you to
the Opera stage?
(A) I am a relatively shy person; it might be hard to understand, but the though of public speaking scares me. Performing takes me out of myself, and allows me to express in ways I wouldn't be comfortable with otherwise. I love that I can take on a character and be someone else for a space of time; flamboyant or timid, outspoken or reserved. The options are endless. Opera can bring stories to life, with all of the different elements.
Thanks Lisa-Dawn for taking the time to answer our questions and let us get to know you a little better.
DragonDiva Fans it is a little more than a week away to our season opener at the Minoru Chapel Opera Nights. Seating is very limited so don't miss your chance to see this concert of hits from previous seasons.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=173112002741382
Be sure to keep updated with our blog. Our next update is only a few days away featuring soprano Szu-Wen Wang.
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