Next month, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s American classic, Carousel, returns to the Colonial Theatre, nearly a century after its premiere there. Directed by BLO Artistic Associate Anne Bogart, this celebratory 80th anniversary production is a stirring tribute to this beloved story of love and redemption. The exceptional cast includes Brandie Sutton as Julie Jordan, Edward Nelson as Billy Bigelow, Jamie Barton as Nettie Fowler, and Anya Matanovič as Carrie Pipperidge. Talk about luxury casting!
As part of BLO’s continuing series of artist interviews, this month we sat down with mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton to pick her brain about her favorite roles, her vision for opera’s future, and why audiences are going to love Carousel. If you haven’t had a chance to experience Barton’s artistry yet, keep reading to learn why BLO is so lucky to have her on board.
Critically acclaimed by virtually every major outlet covering classical music, American mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton is increasingly recognized for how she uses her powerful instrument offstage — lifting up women, queer people, and other marginalized communities. In recognition of her iconic performance at Last Night of the Proms, Barton was named 2020 Personality of the Year at the BBC Music Magazine Awards. She is also the winner of the Beverly Sills Artist Award, Richard Tucker Award, and BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition. Her 2007 win at the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions launched a major international career that includes leading roles at the world’s most-loved opera houses, including the Met, Royal Opera House, Teatro Real, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and Festival d’Aix-en-Provence. Unexpected Shadows, her critically acclaimed album with composer and pianist Jake Heggie, earned a 2022 GRAMMYⓇ nomination for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album.
What was your first opera?
Cosi fan tutte—and given that I don’t really enjoy Mozart opera, it’s a wonder that I ended up in this career!
What is your favorite opera to sing?
It’s hard to choose one, but from a singing perspective, I’d say singing Azucena in Il trovatore is toward the top of the list. That role just has everything in it… drama, heartbreaking pianissimi, and a complex character to sink my teeth into. I love her!
What is your vision for the future of opera?
My dream for this art form is for us to open the proverbial doors so wide that we have packed houses, with all sorts of identities and backgrounds. I hope the future we are working toward is one where curiosity overcomes any reason people may feel they do not have a place in experiencing this all-encompassing, dynamic form of theatre. I believe wholeheartedly that opera is for everyone, and I just want people to feel welcome to experience it for themselves.
What do you love most about being an opera singer?
I love getting to be a storyteller. I absolutely adore having the privilege to tell stories that make people feel seen, that help people empathize with others, or that just help take their minds off the worries of the world. I love getting to do something that I think puts good into the world.
Why should audiences come to Carousel?
I think audiences should come see Carousel for several reasons: For one, this is absolutely a classic! It’s a great piece for somebody who’s never been to the opera because I guarantee most people will know at least some of the tunes. But also, while the story has some difficult themes (spousal violence, especially), I think this production is going to help present the entire story in a way that audiences in 2025 will really empathize with. What will be on the stage at the Colonial Theatre will be a slice of American history, performed almost 80 years to the day from when it premiered in Boston. I think that point of pride for this great city is enough of a reason to come check it out!
You won’t want to miss Jamie Barton and the rest of this incredible cast in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel! Join us April 4, 6, 11, and 13 for an experience you won’t soon forget!
Tickets are on sale now for our star-studded 2024/25 season! See Brandie Sutton and Jamie Barton in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s American classic, Carousel, and Benjamin Britten’s rarely-performed Noah’s Flood, presented in collaboration with Boston Children’s Chorus, Boston String Academy, Back Bay Ringers, VOICES Boston, Boston Recorder Orchestra, Community Music Center of Boston, Boston Symphony Orchestra, New England Conservatory Preparatory School — and more!
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