Meghan Kasanders has already been hailed by The New York Times for her “authentically Wagnerian sound" and by Opera News for her "rich dramatic soprano, an instrument that displays power and sheen at all dynamic levels." You have the chance to see this rising star in action as Sieglinde in Virginia Opera’s production of Wagner's The Valkyrie at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University on Oct. 8 and 9. Enjoy the conversation between Kasanders and Center for the Arts intern Callie Cooper, who is completing a master’s degree in vocal performance herself, below.
On singing Sieglinde:
I love how beautiful and lyrical her music is. When I’m singing it, I try to think of it as a Strauss aria, or Mozart aria. I just let the voice soar, and the music does the work.
On "Ride of the Valkyries":
The most epic music you could ever think of! My family members are not opera goers, but the two pieces of music that they know are the “Queen of the Night” aria [from Mozart's The Magic Flute] and “Ride of the Valkyries.” It’s so exciting to be in a show where that iconic music is being played.
C: What do you think an opera newbie should know about The Valkyrie or the “Ring” Cycle in general?
M: I would suggest exploring Norse mythology in general. If you do some of that research, when you come you will enjoy the opera more. When Wagner writes, everything is story driven. He does most of the job. In those orchestral interludes, close your eyes and really take in the music. It is just incredible writing. It’s not very often that we get to hear Wagner on regional stages in the U.S., so just really take advantage of it.
C: What is your favorite opera within the "Ring" Cycle?
M: Valkyrie. . . . It’s been a show that has made me think outside of the box about story lines and the difference between the gods, warriors and humans. My story line is so weird [she laughs].
On debuting in a Wagnerian role:
I’ve sung a lot of Wagner scenes and arias for years. It’s been known for a while that this has been my destination. I am very excited that this moment is here, I was very excited when I got the call. I’ve been waiting, waiting, waiting, I’m finally getting the chance to sing this music now that my voice is ready for it, I’m prepared for it.
A lot of my mentors told me it’s going to be the long game for you. I’m lucky that at 30 I’m starting down that road. The fact that this is my first opportunity to sing [this repertoire] is very exciting. I feel like Virginia is the perfect place to start this journey.
C: Any advice for young singers?
M: I would say take your time, patience is key. Don’t focus so much on the future, be really in the moment and working with the voice that you have. And being present and always putting technique and musicality [allows the voice] to develop. I took the time to develop technique and musical choices, and now when I'm here and someone asks me to do the dream job that I’ve always wanted, I can. I kind of thought maybe it wasn’t going to happen for another five to 10 years. But it’s because I put in so much work with my current voice, and then my natural voice just developed the way it’s supposed to. Really appreciating the journey that you’re on and focusing on you in the moment, not so much comparing yourself to others or thinking so far ahead in the future. You’ve just got to hone in on what's in front of you. Just focus on you and where you are at.
What can my voice do now, what feels good, and let me focus on that. Your voice will develop and you need to reevaluate every step of the way.
C: Have you worked with any of the singers in the cast?
M: Trey and I were Young Artists together. Kyle Albertson, I have seen a number of times and I have always just been in awe. I know it's just a really good group of people, I’m excited to get to know everybody!
C: What is your dream role?
M: Ariadne, that’s the dream! And Chrysthamus in Elektra, and maybe one day even Elektra. Wagner and Strauss operas are my favorite.
C: Anything else you want our audiences to know?
M: Come enjoy, come for the “Ride of the Valkyries.” Glorious music in this opera.
The Valkyrie (Oct. 8 and 9) kicks off Virginia Opera’s four productions at the Center for the Arts this season. You can subscribe to all four operas (including Pirates of Penzance, Fellow Travelers, and La Traviata) to save 20%, or choose from three or more events across the Great Performances at Mason 2022/2023 season and save 15%.
Soprano Meghan Kasanders sings “Dich, teure Halle” from Wagner’s Tannhäuser with the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Michael Hofstetter.