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I’d love to hear about your coming out process, when did you first realize you were lesbian and what was it like for you? I realized that I felt “different” than my peers at a very young age—maybe age
9. I was wonderfully naïve and innocent and simply expressed my affections and emotions through song. I wrote many a song, as a young girl, with my guitar to a “special” friend. It was not until I was in college that I fully understood my sexual identity and embraced it. How did the process (if it did) affect your career? It is the most frequently asked question and my response is always the same…
I really don’t know! (Laughs) As with every other singer in this profession, we are not made privy to the decisions regarding casting. We never really know the reason we are hired or passed over for a job. That being said, I have enjoyed a wonderfully successful career for many years, so it can’t have hurt too much! Regardless, I would not have made another choice. Being honest about who I am, is essential to my well being as a person and as a performer. How would I in good artistic conscience (and otherwise), claim to be true to my art form, if I am not true to myself? It’s still a bit of a rarity to be an “out” opera performer, that is why I was excited to do this interview. One, to let you know how appreciative I am, personally, for doing so and two, because you have shared not only that but also your relationship and marriage to your wife, Beth. It is so vital and important to show the world we exist in every sphere. Opening that door opens so many for others… I thank you for that. Avec plaisir! My being out and proud within this profession might be a “bit of
a rarity,” as you say, but that percentage is happily increasing. And, as with the LGBTQIQ community at large, the members are here and have existed among us as brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, friends and colleagues in all walks of life and livelihoods. I am incredibly humbled and honored that whatever my professional ‘status’ is shines light on that truth. Have you and your wife Beth performed together very often? A few times, yes, the Santa Fe Opera in La Traviata ‘97, with some other dual appearances and our “coming out” story has been well documented. That being said, our marriage is not based upon our stage careers, individually or collectively! How accepting has the opera world been, in your experience? As within any profession and perhaps even more so in the opera world, that
perception is very subjective. I have experienced moments of awkwardness from some people, whether it be patron, conductor, director or colleague. These
48 RAGE monthly | NOVEMBER 2015
experiences however, were and are, far and few between. I am beyond proud of my marriage and I would like to think that the opera world is glad that I am willing to say so! Opera, or should I say the entire classical genre, is undergoing some pretty challenging times, financially. Do you see that continuing or is there a light at the end of the tunnel? I believe that everything runs cyclically and opera is no exception. I think the
efforts to modernize opera via mass media forums of HD transmissions, as well as the new story telling, in the form of “updated” productions, are important for the life of the art form, not despite but “in spite” of the potential criticism that ac- companies the journey. Subjectivity actually promulgates life in this and many art forms. The very historical evolution of music has depended on those willing to “push the envelope.” We might still be singing liturgical dramas were it not. (Laughs) Not that I have disdain for the 12th Century! You have sung so many of the great operatic roles; do you have any particular favorites? It is difficult for me to name one favorite. This exciting time in my career embrac-
es new repertory. Minnie in Fanciulla [Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West] is coming, Tosca [also Puccini] is still beloved. Puccini has served me well and hopefully I it! My current Lady M [Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District] is a chart topper in my book, as is my new love of performing Salome [Richard Strauss] and more Janáček [Czech composer Janáček, Leoš] is on the horizon—a new frontier awaits! Your Diva on Detour performance here in San Diego is, as you have said, a “return to your roots.” What prompted you to do so? I never left my roots! (Laughs) I have always kept the singing and performing
of my cabaret and jazz, close at hand. I am thrilled that I am able to have these opportunities to share my affinity and love for this music and performance style! Tell me a little about what to expect for the performance, please. Laughter, tears, cheers… Better thanCATS! (Laughs)
If you had some advice for your younger self as you were starting out (vis-a-vis others in the early stages of their careers), what would it be? Assemble your team! I have been blessed with a wonderful manager, wife and teacher who advise and help in my decisions.
San Diego Opera is presenting Patricia Racette on the Balboa Theatre stage in Downtown San Diego on Saturday, November 14. For tickets and more information call 619.570.1100 or go to
sandiegotheatres.org.
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