Star of Tosca took a detour in music career
Choir and country western music began the love affair with singing for Rebecca Davis of Carol Stream.
It wasn't until college at Illinois Wesleyan that a teacher suggested opera.
Inspired by Davis' songwriting and her melancholy delivery of country ballads, the teacher thought she should study famous mezzo roles such as Carmen.
Senior year, Davis performed before a panel from the Metropolitan Opera in New York and was surprised by feedback from judges encouraging her to pursue soprano instead of mezzo. So she went back to school, this time pursuing a master's at Northwestern University in Evanston to make the challenging transition.
This 32-year-old rising opera star has never looked back. (Although she still loves country music.)
Davis, a 1993 Naperville North High School graduate, is singing title role of Floria Tosca in Puccini's masterpiece "Tosca."
The opera directed by Kirk Muspratt will be at DuPage Opera Theatre at 2 p.m. July 20; 8 p.m. July 24; and 8 p.m. July 26; at the McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. The opera will be sung in Italian with English supertitles.
"Of all the operas I know and love, 'Tosca' is most definitely my favorite," Muspratt said. "It is so replete with gorgeous melodies, and the harmonies Puccini employs are something extremely dear to me. As a musician I am astonished at what he does with the harmonic language of the piece."
"This is the first time I've worked with Kirk," Davis said. "I so appreciate how dynamic he is, and his focus on detail is so appreciated. He also has a wonderful sense of humor."
Davis is known for her rich "brassy" and brilliant vocal timbre, vocal versatility, and remarkable vocal extension. She made her Chicago Symphony Orchestra debut last April singing Salaambo's aria from the movie score of "Citizen Kane." Davis has received rave reviews not only for her singing but also for her acting and stage deportment.
Born in Peoria, Davis was 3 years old when her father's work moved the family to Africa and later Paris. As a little girl she sang in the church choir, along with mother Sally, wherever they lived.
In fact the entire family is musical including Sally, Rebecca, her sister and especially Aunt Susie who is Suzy Bogguss, a country music singer with more than 10 CDs to her credit. Because of Aunt Suzy, Davis formed the strong attachment to country music.
"I always looked up to her," Davis said. "Later I was fortunate to sing back up occasionally."
The Davis family ultimately settled in Naperville. Mom and daughter joined the choir at Grace United Methodist Church and remain choir members to this day, and Sally and her father, Tony. still live in Naperville.
"I sing in the choir whenever I am in town," Davis said. "I love it. It's how I express my love for God." Winning the Bel Canto prize, Davis was rewarded with months of studies in Italy with the world renowned tenor Carlo Bergonzi. Davis was able to immerse herself in music and since Bergonzi taught in Italian, she became fluent in a language that she would use many many times onstage.
"Tosca" is the first of several upcoming opportunities for Davis, who married Jeff Wendorf May 24.
On the flight to Hawaii for her honeymoon, Davis was studying the music in preparation for DuPage Opera Theatre's July 18 opening. Like an actor, the lines must all be learned, in Italian, along with the music.
"The last six weeks have been intense," she said. "I still have many wedding gift thank you notes to write, but 'Tosca' must come first."
The day after "Tosca" closes, Davis leaves for 11 months with the San Jose Opera. She will perform in four operas, playing beloved soprano roles - Tatiana in "Eugene Onegin," Adina in "L'elisir d'amore," Fiordiligi in "Cosi fan tutte," and Micaela in "Carmen." Her new husband will visit once a month, and Davis will return to Carol Stream for Thanksgiving and the holidays.
If you go
What: "Tosca" presented by the DuPage Opera Theatre, Artistic and Music Director Kirk Muspratt, and the New Philharmonic Orchestra
• Tosca is a story of cheating and doubt. Nothing seems honest and direct, and even love is troubled by jealousy. Political power and its abuse intensify the tragic love triangle consisting of the fiery diva Floria Tosca, the handsome painter Mario Cavaradossi, and the sadistic police chief Baron Scarpia. Obsessed with the tempestuous singer, the wicked Scarpia plays a cruel cat-and-mouse game with Tosca and her lover Cavaradossi. Tosca strikes a bargain with Scarpia only to experience horrifying consequences.
Where: McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
When: 2 p.m. July 20; 8 p.m. July 24; and 8 p.m. July 26
Cost: $43 for adults, $41 for senior citizens, and $33 for students and patrons under age 17.
The cast includes:
Lyric soprano Rebecca Davis as Floria Tosca
Tenor John Sumners as the painter Mario Cavaradossi
Baritone Thomas Hall as Baron Scarpia
John Frederick as Cesare Angelotti
David Eickstaedt as a Sacristan
William Chamberlain as Spoletta
Details: Call (630) 942-4000 or visit www.AtTheMac.org.