Loving opera and living a dream
One student's life after the UMKC Conservatory
Nikki Peters
Issue date: 9/7/09 Section: Culture
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For Andrew Harris, a former UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance student, opera is a passion that takes precedence over all else.
But Harris didn't start his musical career in vocals, but rather in piano.
"As a part of the program I was in, you had to be a part of a large ensemble," he said. "For a pianist, that usually meant you got thrown into choir."
When auditioning for the choir, Harris was told that his voice was quite good and he should take voice lessons.
"Eventually it became apparent that I had more of a chance to be a professional singer than a pianist," Harris admitted.
He completed his undergraduate work in vocal performance, went back to earn a master's in piano and obtained an additional master's in vocal performance at UMKC.
Now opera seems to be his only love.
"I want the career," he said. "To have the career - that's why I want it. Nothing else. I'd say it's the most important thing to me, at least right now."
Of course, there are struggles.
Money is a big challenge and there doesn't seem to be a lot of time for anything other than opera.
"Trying to do this, it's hard to hold down a full-time job," Harris said. "Early on, you make a lot of sacrifices."
Harris didn't seem too concerned about the money issue, even though he cited it as a challenge.
"I guess eventually the money will come," he said. "At this point I've learned to live without it, which is an important lesson too. Just living the lifestyle is difficult, I guess, but it's worth it."
Apprenticeship and education
As part of his UMKC experience, Harris participated in the Lyric Opera of Kansas City (LOKC) Apprentice Program.
"I sent in a DVD because Ben Hilgert, one of the apprentices starting that fall, told some of us that there was an opening for a low voice," Harris said.
Tracy Davis, director of the LOKC Apprentice Program, elaborated on the unique way Harris was chosen.
"That was an unusual year because usually we only have four," she explained. "We had a baritone that dropped out during the summer before it was supposed to begin in the fall."
Harris applied and was selected. The opera company knew that they could use a bass in upcoming repertoire and saw that Harris had the talent.
Normally, the process to enter the apprenticeship is much more complex. There is a six-month audition period that begins in February, after which the opera company and university make a joint decision.
Advice for those to follow
During the apprenticeship, Harris had a bit of a shock as he learned the difference between working in the UMKC Conservatory and working in a professional environment.
"At the Lyric Opera, we typically have, at most, a three-week rehearsal period," Davis said.
In an opera company, most of the preparation for the role must be done by the singer before rehearsals begin.
"At UMKC, they spend all semester doing an opera, so they really work with you on the role," Harris said. "They'll teach you the role. With opera companies, that's just not the case."
A memorable role
Both Harris and Davis fondly looked back on the principal role of Benoit, which Harris played in "La Boheme" last fall.
The role is typically cast with someone much older due to the strong character required. But when the original casting choice fell through, Harris came to mind as a possible voice for the role.
"Andrew has a fabulous character acting ability that, on stage, completely 100 percent sold it," Davis beamed. "It was really good."
Harris seemed a bit embarrassed by the praise, but graciously added his own comment about the role.
"And it was fun to do," he said. "Having people laugh at you is, I think, more rewarding than applause."
Looking to the future
Harris is rehearsing for his first principal role since leaving the Lyric Opera's apprentice program.
He will be Cesare Angelotti in "Tosca," which opens Sept. 10 at the LOKC.
He will also take on the principal role of Il Commendatore (Don Pedro) in "Don Giovanni" in the spring, which Harris calls "a really big sing."
npeters@unews.com
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