Bass-baritone Michael Colman will portray the Commentator in the Opera Grand Rapids’ upcoming production of Scalia/Ginsburg set for March 14 and 15 at the Betty Van Andel Opera Center, 1320 E. Fulton Ave. The one-hour opera is based on the friendship between former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and current Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Before the production, Colman sat down with Opera Grand Rapids for a little question and answer about him and the upcoming show.
Where are you originally from? Cedarville, Ohio
Who has inspired you/been your greatest influence professionally? Why? Samuel Ramey—that hair, that voice, what’s not to love? Also, I grew up listening to my dad play the piano and have loved music ever since.
Who/what brought you into the world of Opera? I played Curt in The Sound of Music when I was a kid and knew that being on stage and singing would always be a few of my favorite things. As my voice changed, I started to listen to classical singers and tried singing some opera arias. Emphasis on the “try”… it’s come a long way. My poor parents will never get back those hours of me practicing high notes in the living room.
Where do you live now? Bloomington, Indiana
What are your hobbies when not performing? Reading (fantasy fiction, sci-fi, non-fiction), strategy games (board games and video games! anything that makes me think), cooking (any tips for a successful soufflé are much appreciated… I’m 0 for 2 on that recipe).
What is your favorite Role/Opera/Piece? I loved singing Leporello in Don Giovanni and all things Tchaikovsky. I simply cannot contain myself when the orchestra comes back in at the end of his Violin Concerto in D. I hope to sing in Eugene Onegin someday.
What are your favorite things about being a professional musician? The people! Getting to work with amazing artists all over the world creating for audiences. Feeling that energy is unlike anything else.
Least favorite? Hmmm… self-employment taxes, finding health insurance, and trying to gracefully answer when people ask “But what is your real job?” immediately after a show.
What is something you are looking forward to in Grand Rapids? This is my debut with Opera Grand Rapids and I cannot wait! My sister and her family live in town, so this is extra special for me to be performing here!
Where is your favorite place to travel/perform? Why? I love anywhere close to family! There is a lot of traveling as a performer, frequently over holidays, so when I can work close by, that is the best.
What performances/plans do you have in the next year?: I am reprising the role of The Commentator in performances of Scalia/Ginsburg with Opera Carolina and Toledo Opera; Angelotti in Tosca, Father in Thumbprint, and Ulysses S. Grant in Mother of Us All with Chautauqua Opera; and King of Egypt in Aida with Toledo Opera.
Tickets for the show are $50 general admission, $5 student with ID. To purchase tickets, visit operagr.org.
