We interviewed our Ezio stars about singing Gluck, becoming their characters, and the process of putting an opera on stage…read what tenor William Hite (Massimo) has to say below
What aspect(s) of your character can you relate to?
Tenor William Hite
My character is driven by the sole motivation of murderous revenge. In order to achieve his goal he lies, schemes, claims false devotion to others, frames the innocent, attempts to enlist his daughter to commit murder. Oh, and he’s verbally abusive. Obsequious. So, there aren’t many aspects that I relate to! He is a father and so am I, so there’s that. Lol.
Why should audience members see this opera?
To hear great opera seria. To see what Gluck was doing before he set the opera world into a tizzy with Orfeo ed Euridice and gave something for Mozart and Wagner to look up to.
What’s unique about singing Gluck?
An astonishingly breathtaking purity of line in the arias.
If you could ask your character any one question, what would you ask them and why?
How do you sleep at night?
What’s your favorite part of the opera rehearsal process?
Early blocking rehearsals can be creative and fun.
Any words of wisdom for young opera singers?
My words of wisdom would apply to any young singer embarking on a career in “classical” singing, opera or not. Be better prepared than those around you. Early success is no guarantee of a long lived career. Forget about what those around you are doing, except for looking to the careers of musicians who you admire for their work ethic and artistic integrity for inspiration. Your job is to maximize your skill set and to position yourself to succeed, on a daily basis. Be a dependable and gracious colleague. Count like crazy.
Want to learn more about William? Visit his website.
