At Boulder Opera, we are proud to announce that Michelle Diggs Thompson will be joining our team once again to sing Leonora in our production of Verdi’s Il Trovatore. Here’s a chance to look behind the curtain at the artist who will be portraying Leonora in our upcoming production.
Michelle Diggs Thompson is a soprano originally from Southern California, but now resides in Colorado with her husband and two daughters. She has a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Performance from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She is also an affiliate instructor of voice at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Michelle has worked with Boulder Opera in the past performing roles such as Santuzza in the production of Cavalleria Rusticana, and we are looking forward to seeing her perform as Leonora in our upcoming production of Verdi’s Il Trovatore.
Michelle Diggs Thompson as Santuzza in Boulder Opera's production of Cavalleria Rusticana
Boulder Opera Company: Could you tell me a little bit about some of the previous roles you’ve sung recently? Any that you really enjoyed or stood out from the others?
Michelle Diggs Thompson: The most recent role I played was Santuzza in Boulder Opera's production of Cavalleria Rusticana, but my FAVORITE role was Fiordiligi in Mozart's Così fan tutte, which I performed with Opera Theatre of the Rockies. A role that stands out to me the most—and that was also super challenging—was singing Violetta from Verdi's La traviata. I was asked to audition for it but didn't get cast. Seven weeks before the performance, I was asked to step in. I called my teacher, Martile Rowland, asked her for advice, and asked my now-husband, baritone—Bradley Thompson—for advice. He told me to talk to Martile. Martile told me that if I took it, I would need to eat, sleep and breathe Violetta for the next month and a half or so. So, I did it. I ate, slept, and breathed Violetta. Every free moment I had, I had the score in my hand. I walked in rhythm everywhere, singing the score in my head. I did it though! Oh, and it was during then I found out I was pregnant with our first child! By intermission, the nausea kicked in!! At that point, it wasn't too hard for me to die.
BOC: Leonora has a large role in this production, what are you most looking forward to about embodying this character? What are some of the main challenges you’ve faced while learning this role?
MDT: Yes, she is a large role and I am super excited, yet nervous, to tackle it. I am looking forward to getting to know Leonora and her many layers. I actually sang Act IV back in August with Opera Theatre of the Rockies and wow, that was a hard sing, especially with not singing for a while. I had to get in vocal shape FAST! I was able to get a brief glimpse into Leonora's mind but am looking forward to getting to know her and how she got to where she did by Act IV. I am looking forward to tapping into my skills as a dramatic actress but am hoping that my years of vocal training will also shine in this role. The biggest challenge for me was just getting back into vocal shape. The pandemic really put a damper on live performances and so I didn't really have a reason to sing/practice. I sang, but I don't think singing along to Dua Lipa counts??
BOC: Outside of the opera, what are some of your interests and passions?
MDT: I have two girls (Lucy, age 11 and Anna, age 9) and they are our world. My husband and I are both very active with them—volunteering at their school when we can. Just being with them—being their mom, spending time with them, watching them grow, experiencing new things, experiencing the "drama" that one experiences while in 5th and 3rd grade. Taking them shopping, watching their faces light up when we take them someplace new, and fun. Experiencing the attitudes (please pray for my husband (laughing) ) that one experiences with girls. It's truly a joy and I love being their momma. I am also a part time organist/pianist at our church in Boulder. But sometimes on the days I don't play, I am the soloist or will sing duets with my husband. We're a very musical household!
BOC: The previous year has been unorthodox—especially for performers—how have all of the changes due to the pandemic impacted you? What are you most looking forward to as the world starts to rediscover normality?
MDT: I'm just going to be honest with you and tell you it sucked. At one point in our house, my husband was teaching lessons or a class via remote in our basement, I was teaching remotely at our piano in the living room, and our girls were remote learning throughout the house. It was not a quiet household (laughing). Thank goodness for headphones. I had to take a break from teaching at Metro due to low enrollment. It broke my heart to not get to see my students and work with them every week. But, I did become a substitute teacher for K-12 in our school district and work when my schedule allows it. And, again, I got to spend more time with our girls, pick them up after school and just hang out with them. What am I most looking forward to as the world starts to rediscover normality? Honestly, we lived normally. And we will continue to live normally.
BOC: What’s coming up for you and your plans for the future?
MDT: At the moment, I am working on Beethoven's Missa Solemnis in which I am the soprano soloist. It is with the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs this coming Sunday, January 23. Don't worry—I also work on Il Trovatore when I need a break from Beethoven. After the opera, I don't have any plans at the moment, except to maybe sleep. Oh, and maybe have a cocktail.
Grab your tickets for Il Trovatore, directed by Gene Roberts!
You do not want to miss this passionate and dramatic Opera!