Notes From Her

MOC 7: Mezzo-Soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis; Pushing Opera's Status Quo w/ Diversity & Innovation

Xochitl Hernandez
Long time no podcast MOCs! We are in the middle of the world pandemic of COVID-19; therefore, Notes From Her is airing a special Season 2: Self-Isolation Edition! In Season 2’s first episode, I interview international opera star Raehann Bryce Davis and PART ONE is ALL ABOUT HER, her ethnic background, and what it means for her to identify as a Black artist. We discuss pushing the status quo of opera as she encourages artists to create new music/stories, include diversity, and explore how to make opera champion every gender, ethnicity, and community worldwide. As an artist who primarily performs in Europe she provides some very interesting insights on differences and similarities between how opera is presented in the United States and how opera is presented in Europe!Tune in April 25th for PART TWO of Raehann’s interview where she discusses great career advice/tips for singers in regards to young artist programs, how to gain connections/scholarships/money, and the impact of competing in competitions. 1. Raehann singing O Don Fatale in her debut at Opera Vlaanderen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNk262JvKBc2. Sanctuary Road: No. 1, Write (Live) composed by Paul Moravec with librettist Mark Campbell performed with Oratorio Society of New York Orchestra (performers: Laquita Mitchell, Raehann Bryce-Davis, Joshua Blue, Malcolm J. Merriweather, Dashon Burton, and Kent Tritle) open.spotify.com/album/2NCIzBNrmH…utoplay=true&v=L3. Sanctuary Road: No. 14, Rain (Live) composed by Paul Moravec with librettist Mark Campbell performed with Oratorio Society of New York Orchestra (performers: Laquita Mitchell, Raehann Bryce-Davis, Joshua Blue, Malcolm J. Merriweather, Dashon Burton, and Kent Tritle) open.spotify.com/album/2NCIzBNrmH…utoplay=true&v=LFor more information on Raehann go to http://www.raehann.com/Need something to do while we are in isolation? Watch Raehann’s living-room recital where she sings some classics, African American spirituals, and those Jamaican folk song she talked about on April 27, 2020 at 4pm PST here https://www.laopera.org/discover/laoathome/living-room-recitals/Be sure to check out LA Opera At Home series during this quarantine for broadcasts of past performances, sing-alongs, and living-room recitals from the world’s opera stars! https://www.laopera.org/discover/laoathome/Need something to educate and entertain your kiddos during this time? Go to LA Opera Connects to view educational resources, lesson plans, activities for kids, performance videos, sing-alongs, and podcasts! https://www.laopera.org/community/whats-new-in-la-opera-connects/Follow Notes From Her on Instagram and Twitter @notesfromher_ and like Notes From Her on Facebook!Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @xochimilcaaa Stay musical, STAY SAFE, and stay empowered.