The Atlanta Opera Blog
Pick Up Your Q: Soprano Sarah Coburn
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Before heading to Atlanta to perform in The Abduction from the Seraglio, soprano Sarah Coburn took some time out
of her busy singing schedule to chat with us about her life as a singer
and learning the difficult role of Konstanze.
of her busy singing schedule to chat with us about her life as a singer
and learning the difficult role of Konstanze.
THE ATLANTA OPERA: Did you grow up in a
musical family?
musical family?
SARAH COBURN: Yes, my mother’s side of the family
is very musical. My grandmother was a jazz singer and my aunt is a fabulous
pianist. My sisters have amazing voices. Every holiday we sang and played. It
was mostly barbershop quartets or country music, like the Judds or Vince Gill.
Not a bit of opera, though!
is very musical. My grandmother was a jazz singer and my aunt is a fabulous
pianist. My sisters have amazing voices. Every holiday we sang and played. It
was mostly barbershop quartets or country music, like the Judds or Vince Gill.
Not a bit of opera, though!
AO: Who or what influenced you to become a singer?
SB: I didn’t plan on becoming a singer, although I always planned on
majoring in music in college. I studied music education and was encouraged by
my voice teachers to think about pursuing performance instead of teaching.
majoring in music in college. I studied music education and was encouraged by
my voice teachers to think about pursuing performance instead of teaching.
AO: You’ve mentioned in past interviews that Konstanze is one of your
favorite roles to sing. What is it about this part that interests you?
favorite roles to sing. What is it about this part that interests you?
SB: I have? I have never sung this role, so that comes as a shock to
me! This is my role debut and it is quite daunting. Konstanze is a role that
commands great respect and even fear! Ha! Seriously, it is a great challenge,
and one I am thrilled to accept. The role requires a great deal of stamina and
virtuosity. I have sung Blondchen in the past, and I always hoped I would have
the opportunity to sing Konstanze.
me! This is my role debut and it is quite daunting. Konstanze is a role that
commands great respect and even fear! Ha! Seriously, it is a great challenge,
and one I am thrilled to accept. The role requires a great deal of stamina and
virtuosity. I have sung Blondchen in the past, and I always hoped I would have
the opportunity to sing Konstanze.
AO: Indeed! This is considered by some to be Mozart’s most vocally
challenging music for soprano. Where do the challenges lie in this role, and
how do you deal with them?
challenging music for soprano. Where do the challenges lie in this role, and
how do you deal with them?
SB: The challenges lie in the lengthy arias, and the fact the two of
them are back to back. The arias are exercises in breath control, dynamic
control, and support in a difficult tessitura. I love them, though.
them are back to back. The arias are exercises in breath control, dynamic
control, and support in a difficult tessitura. I love them, though.
AO: What’s your regimen for staying healthy when you’re on the road?
SB: Sleep, water, exercise, and I must warm up properly every day
before singing. I am not too stressed about everything being in perfect
condition in order to sing well; I can’t be — I have three little kids!
before singing. I am not too stressed about everything being in perfect
condition in order to sing well; I can’t be — I have three little kids!
AO: Is this your first time in Atlanta? Do you have any plans to
explore the city while you’re here?
explore the city while you’re here?
SB: I have never spent time in Atlanta. Right now, my goal is to sing
the role well and take care of my kids. Exploring the city will come after
opening night!
the role well and take care of my kids. Exploring the city will come after
opening night!
