A. I was involved with local community theater, high school musicals, other theater projects, choir, and band. I had a lot of success growing up as a musician and thought that music may be the way to go. However, college is where opera took hold of my career path.
Q. Did you have other aspirations besides music?
A. A few. I was relatively gifted in science and math and thought that may a possible career path. Also, growing up in a farming community presented other opportunities along with family businesses. I also contemplated going into the Navy out of high school, but decided that I wanted to go to university instead.
Heath Huberg as Nadir in Sarasota Opera's The Pearl Fishers. Photo by Rod Millington |
A. I think the opera The Pearl Fishers is radically under appreciated. It has stunning moments of the most beautiful music and very thrilling moments that brings an audience to the edge of their seat. Besides being able to perform this piece with exceptionally talented colleagues, I have the opportunity to help bring the drama to life. To explore and divulge the intricacies of a character and a culture that is far detached from our normal, and to get to do this on a stage that has many happy memories for me, is what I am looking forward to most.
Q. Is there something unique about the process you go through when preparing a role?
A. I don't think so. I begin by translating every part. Then I speak the text to find the correct inflection, emphasis...etc. Only after that do I put the words to the rhythm and notes. I do like listening to several different singers approach to the role. I believe that by cultivating other ideas and approaches, I am able to inspire and refine my performance.
Q. What other preparation/research work do you include?
A. I try to read as much as possible, whether it be historical documents, books, or online resources. Also, in some cases, I find it useful to watch movies with historical contexts or period set pieces.
Tenor Heath Huberg as Cassio in Sarasota Opera's production of Verdi's Otello. Photo by Rod Millington |
A. Having already performed a role makes life so much easier. It is a case of intense reviewing of the text, story, characterization, historical context, music and preparing mentally as well as vocally. While it is ultimately easier to prepare an all ready performed role, it does still require a lot of preparation and time.
Q. Before you were a principal artist you were a studio artist. Did this help you prepare you for you role as a principal artist?
A. Most definitely. The Sarasota Opera Studio Artist program gave me valuable performance experience, both in concert/outreach and on stage. It has also helped me refine my preparation process and general performance practices.
Q. What is the most bizarre experience you have had in a rehearsal and/or performance?
Tenor Heath Huberg as Giles Corey in the 2011 production of The Crucible. Photo by Rod Millington |
A. Nope, just resting up and reviewing music.
Q. How do you relax between performances? Any hobbies?
A. While in Sarasota I like to spend time on the beach and go to Baltimore Orioles games. I like to golf, read, and spend time with family and friends.
Q. How do you stay connected with family and friends while you are on the road?
A. I skype and call my family and friends in order to stay in touch with them. Also, I maintain a facebook account to share my experiences with people while on the road.
Q. We have patrons that travel from all over the United States to see productions at Sarasota Opera. Do you have strong connections with any particular towns our patons might have in common?
A. I am originally from Milford, Des Moines. I did my undergraduate work at Simpson College in Indianola, IA and my graduate work at New England Conservatory in Boston, MA. I also spent a good amount of time in Salt Lake City, UT as a resident artist with Utah Opera.
Look for tenor Heath Huberg in upcoming productions at Sarasota Opera. Subscriptions for the 2013-2014 Sarasota Opera Season are now available online at www.sarasotaopera.org or by calling the box office at (941) 328-1300.
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