http://www.mariavaldessoprano.com/

Tell us a little about yourself! Where are you from? What is your educational and musical background?

I grew up in Marietta, Georgia, about 45 minutes outside of Atlanta. I never did musicals or any kind of theater, but I was a die-hard choir nerd. I actually wanted to go into choral conducting for my undergraduate degree. I did, however, have a very supportive teacher who had studied opera and heard my inclination toward classical singing. She introduced me to opera and I was hooked ever since! I earned my undergraduate degree from Georgia State University and in lieu of a master’s degree went to San Francisco Opera for two years as an Adler Fellow.

What is one thing you wish you had known as a young singer and why?

This is a tough question! As we all know, being a classical musician looks different for each person in the industry. I wish I had known that there isn’t one strict path to success and that you can’t model your own career based on that of others.

Tell us about an obstacle you have faced during your career and how you overcame it.

My biggest challenge so far has been overcoming performance anxiety. I am a naturally shy person and a perfectionist by nature. I would always worry so much about how I was perceived and especially about reviews. Looking back on those things, I know that the most important thing about performing is to tell a story and honor the music above all else. Once you take your ego out of the equation, an entire world of possibilities opens up. I still deal with anxiety. We all want to do our best and sometimes we are met with pieces that are very challenging and exposed. But how I deal with it is by reinforcing my values as an artist and preparing enough that I can trust my instrument in difficult situations.

What is one role or piece you could perform over and over and never get tired of?

Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915. It is the first piece I ever performed with orchestra. I still remember the feeling when the orchestra began and I was enveloped in the sound of a summer evening in the South. There is nothing quite like standing in front of an orchestra — it’s the best seat in the house!

If you could only give one piece of advice to a young singer, what would it be?

I would say that though it is important to take the advice of mentors and teachers, ultimately your career is in your own hands. There are many things you can do to progress your career, especially with the technological resources we have now.

Is there anything you spent too much time stressing over that didn't end up being a big deal?

Looking back I think I spent too much time stressing over my audition list. Obviously, the repertoire has to meet certain requirements, but the most important thing is choosing repertoire that feels good and that you love. I spent way too much time worrying about what the perfect list would be versus what showcased my voice the most.

Where can we catch you performing next?

I am very fortunate to be working in my hometown this year! I am about to make my debut with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra singing Bach’s Cantata No. 29, Wir danken dir, Gott and Serenade to Music by Vaughan Williams. I will also return to Atlanta Opera to sing Young Alyce in Tom Cipullo’s Glory Denied.