Claudia Chapa will be a featured singer in the upcoming Mahler Symphony No. 2: Resurrection. We asked her a few questions in this week’s Spotlight!
What speaks to you about Mahler’s symphony No. 2?
In the bucket list of beautiful music to perform, this is on the top of the list. It’s is a masterpiece, and I am so excited to be able to perform this again.
Claudia recently played Bloody Mary in our production of South Pacific. Any similarities between Bloody Mary and what you sing in this symphony?
Hmmmmmmmm? Well…I think that both choose to be closer to happiness, whatever that may be. Bloody Mary is surrounded by some impossible situations, but she is resourceful and has a dream. This piece reflects on death and despair, but ultimately transcends all that and chooses happiness (being closer to God).
How long have you been singing opera?
I originally wanted to be a nurse and attended Laredo Community College for my degree. I joined the choir and the music club for fun. The music club made a yearly trip to Austin TX to see an Opera. At 22 years of age….I saw Boheme, and my life was changed forever. Years later, I made my professional debut with that company. I’m not sure what type of person I would’ve been with out that experience, but I do know that every time I sing,I could be influencing someone to follow their dreams. The way that particular cast of Boheme influenced me.
What are some of your favorite non-classical musicians to listen to (or sing in the shower)?
Radiohead, Lana del Rey, Selena, Kendrick Lamar….I listen to a wide array of music.
