Singer Spotlight: Justin Berkowitz
Tell us a little about yourself! Where are you from? What is your educational and musical background?
I’m originally from just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I spent five years at Lawrence University and Conservatory where I did a double degree in voice performance and English literature. Following my time at Lawrence, I went to the University of Michigan where I received my Masters degree in voice performance and opera. After finishing my studies there, I made my way to Chicago where I’ve been based since and where I spend my time when I’m not gigging on the road.
What is one thing you wish you had known as a young singer and why?
As cliché as it might sound, there’s truly no set path for everyone in this business. As someone who doesn’t fit into a conventional, and always easy-to-cast category, my path to finding work, like many singers out there, didn’t involve finishing school and landing a major young artist contract, then main stage work, etc. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that path, but I don’t think any of us do ourselves a service thinking that is the only path to a career. Find companies and conductors who believe in your voice, sing appropriate and challenging repertoire, take risks, and be yourself when you perform, because that will lead to the most fulfilling work.
Tell us about an obstacle you have faced during your career and how you overcame it.
I think that one of the biggest challenges that young artists face is knowing when to say yes, what to say yes to, and knowing when it’s okay to pass on an opportunity, knowing you’re leaving room to make art that will serve you better in the long run. I’ve had moments where I’ve been unsure if I should take a contract, and in these moments, it’s been so important to have a team of coaches, directors, and mentors who I can go to for honest and helpful advice. This group of advisors has helped to shape my career and is invaluable.
What is one role or piece you could perform over and over and never get tired of?
Carmina Burana! I have gotten to sing the tenor solo quite a bit over the last few seasons and I just love this piece! You get an outstanding orchestral work, insanely bombastic chorus, beautiful solos -- it’s always a treat to watch how the audience reacts to this fantastic piece!
If you could only give one piece of advice to a young singer, what would it be?
Be yourself; always look for projects you care about; take risks, and never forget WHY you sing!
Is there anything you spent too much time stressing over that didn't end up being a big deal?
That my voice wasn’t big enough, rich enough, right enough. Sure, we would all love to sound like Pavarotti or Sills, but we don’t -- so using the voice we have is all we can do!
Where can we catch you performing next?
I’m singing with Chicago Opera Theater in their production of Moby Dick at the end of April, then I’m off to perform a Carmina Burana in Eau Claire in May. This summer, I’m performing some concerts in Chicago as a member of the Grant Park Festival Chorus and then it’s a fall full of Carmina Buranas!
