Kelly Horsted, piano

Program:

 

Memos from Maddalena :

 All the turbulence and entanglements within the story line of opera did not weigh down our devoted and joyful audience this past Sunday in Oyster Bay. Out steadfast proficient accompanist Kelly Horsted took the helm and steered us all into the beautiful and stirring world of opera. Our seven singers, taking turns in presenting aria upon aria were in great voices and surrounded us all in the full gamet and range of emotion. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, Kimberly Iannuzzi, with a lilt in her voice sang " Waiting for my dearie" (Brigadoon) and Daniele Davis sang the heart
wrenching song, "Oh Danny boy." Cheryl Warfield takes on" Morro" from "Un ballo in maschera."  This three act gem by Verdi has many twist
and turns including a mystic who predicts the future. Cheryl tells us when you seek the advice of a fortune teller you better take it. This admonition becomes so dire because the adulterous heroine, Amelia's infidelity is uncovered as she sings" I shall die". This was a great presentation. Alex Sheerin,  our sophomore from New England Conservatory of Music, loves music. And this shines through when he delivers "Una furtiva lagrima" by Donizetti.  This highly charged romantic aria (furtive tears ) brings tears to my eyes and looking around the room I saw many patrons misting over. Once again the hero Nemorino finds out that the love potion worked on his amore, Adina. Alex renews our faith in the power of love. Jeanie Schwartz is Delilah waiting for Samson's arrival. She is evoking the god of love to destroy the enemy of her people. Wonderfully sung by our mezzo.  Maurizio chose an aria from Tosca. "Recondita armonia", the plaintiff pining of a man in love . Mario the painter.who compare his love Floria to a painting and we are convinced  of his unfailing love as he waxes poetic. Maurizio sings to us in poetic verse, "art in its mysterious ways blends the contrasting beauties together, But while I'm painting her, my only thought is of you, Tosca it is of you!" Poetry and opera complement each other in this lovely piece. Arthur Lai's selection "Core n grato" by Salvatore Carrillo has an interesting
back story. The composer born in Naples studied piano and composition before he emmigrated to America in 1903. Enico Caruso
included this melancholy tale  of spurned love in his repertoire. Opera is all this and more. Visually beautiful, esthetically  mesmerizing, and always riveting. 

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Interview with Kara Cornell, mezzo soprano by Jenny Ingersoll:


Kara Cornell is a classically trained mezzo-soprano who also performs jazz, musical theatre, and pop. She is a Carnegie Mellon graduate and received her masters from Stony Brook University. Having performed in multiple performances of “Carmen” Cornell has also performed in “Le Nozze di Figaro,” “Cosi Fan Tutte,” and “Il Barbiere di Siviglia.” Cornell’s other passions include various philanthropic activities, including supporting Alley Cat Allies, donating blood and platelets and volunteering as a “big sister” through Big Brothers Big Sisters. 
1) On your website you state that you didn't get interested in singing until you were 15 - what happened that sparked this passion?
I was a very shy kid, so the thought of performing in front of people was not appealing. I always loved singing though, and during 9th grade I auditioned for the after school jazz choir. The teacher in charge couldn't believe I wasn't in music classes, and strongly encouraged me to do more. Once I agreed to join the school choir (it took some convincing by my mom), I slowly became more involved. I was lucky because, the Smithtown Schools had a wonderful music and drama department.

2) Does being a "cross-over" artist affect how you train, practice or select projects?
Becoming a "cross-over artist" happened naturally for me in my career - as a classically trained singer, I had no idea I'd be hired to perform pop, jazz and musical theater. I guess this is because of my philosophy to just go with the flow - when someone hires me for something outside of my comfort zone, I try it and then I've learned something! There IS a different technique when performing each genre, but the basic technique of breathing, calm and organic production is always the same for me. I know my vocal strengths and limits, so it's easy for me to explain what I can do when someone wants to hire me for something. 

3) You have played Carmen multiple times - what is it like to go into a role having played it before but in a different production?
Oh Carmen! Ya know, about 5 years ago I was told by multiple professionals that I'd never play Carmen?! I was so annoyed by the limitations being put upon me that I made it a goal to perform the role - and now I've done 5 productions in 3 years. Anyway, I love being able to do a role multiple times, because there's a new layer being unearthed each time I work with a new cast, crew and company. It's like watching a really great movie - you catch so much more after the 2nd, 3rd and 4th watching! I have to be careful though, because directors don't like hearing "Well, when I sang this with blah blah opera company, they did it the opposite way."

4) One of the things you teach is how to manage stage fright. Do you have any advice for all of us?

Yes - get your butt out there and perform all the time. Use any chance you have to face your fears and just do it. The more a person does something, the more they know what to expect, how their body will react, how their brain will fire, and how the audience looks while you're up there sweating. No experience is insignificant - I think I've learned more from my church solo job than from any single production I've done.

5) What Opera would you like to perform in that you have not done before?
I've actually had a list of "roles I'd love to perform" for quite a while. The only major role I'm still dying to sing is Cinderella in Rossini's LA CENERENTOLA. I've sung the evil step-sister, but not the title role... Yet!

6) You perform and teach, but you are also involved in many philanthropic activities. Where do you hope to see yourself in 10 years? 
In 10 years I hope to still have a balance in my life between performing, traveling, time at home and pursuing my philanthropic hobbies. I'd just love to be hired more consistently, get paid more for it and work with very talented people. That's it really - I'm quite happy with the life I have now in upstate NY!