From October of 1997 until May of 2006, I sang in at least three operas per four-opera season at OPERA SAN JOSÉ, singing in 33 productions. From July 1998 until June of 2001, I was an Affiliate Artist-In-Residence, receiving a small stipend and free housing while singing comprimario roles and in the chorus when needed. In November of 2000 I made my lead role career debut as Nemorino in L’ELISIR D’AMORE. I became a Principal Artist-In-Residence for the 2001-2002 season and remained in that position until the end of the 2005-2006 season, learning and performinging 18 roles from Don Basilio in LE NOZZE DI FIGARO by Mozart to Erik in DER FLIEGENDE HOLLÄNDER by Wagner and everything in between.
I simply cannot imagine my life as it exists without this magical place. Music (and Opera specifically) have quite literally given me my life and so many of the most formative events of that life happened within the walls of the nondescript North San José office building on the banks of Coyote Creek where OPERA SAN JOSÉ has its headquarters and rehearsal space. It was there I first became a professional musician, first laid eyes on my wife NICOLE, and tested my limitations as a singer, a performer, and as a man.
From October of 1997 until June of 2006, this was where I spent most of my time other than my apartment. This was my artistic and professional home. So many dear friends and colleagues were met and made here. So much triumph and not a few tragedies had their formation within these walls. Here is a look at some of the memories made there that shaped who I am as a musician, an artist, and a citizen of the world.
