Lucretia Mod

Karen Jesse talks collaborations, Christina Aguilera and corned beef specials.

by David Shengold

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Published: Jun 2, 2009

opera

Still in her 20s, Curtis-trained singer Karen Jesse is one of America’s most promising dramatic sopranos. The Illinois-born, Oberlin-educated phenom has taken Philadelphia by storm over the past five years, starring in a wide variety of Curtis shows — and even singing the national anthem at the Linc. City Paper caught up with her on the verge of her Opera Company of Philadelphia debut in Benjamin Britten’s gripping The Rape of Lucretia, opposite Met stars William Burden, Nathan Gunn and Tamara Mumford.

City Paper: How did someone from Prairie View, Ill., wind up in Philly, musically or otherwise?

Karen Jesse: I didn’t grow up thinking I was going to become an opera singer, but music in some form was pretty much always the plan. I started training pretty early: piano lessons, church choir, French horn. When graduating from high school I planned on choral conducting. I went to Oberlin for voice, figuring I would get my M.A. in conducting. When I started taking opera theater classes and working on scenes, I realized just how much I loved it. Singing in choirs or being in opera, it all boils down to making music with other people: that’s what I find most exciting.

CP: Besides opera, what do you listen to? Any crossover aspirations?

KJ: I grew up listening to music my parents like (James Taylor, Billy Joel, Joni Mitchell, The Eagles, Queen), which influenced my musical tastes pretty heavily. Current music I’m drawn to has similar qualities: The Weepies, Hem, Dave Matthews Band, Ani DiFranco, Sufjan Stevens. I don’t have any aspirations to do crossover work, not because I don’t think it would be fun, but because I’m just no good at it: Gershwin is about funky as I get. Don’t let me speak for all opera singers, though. I’ve got several friends who could give Christina Aguilera a run for her money.

CP: What has Curtis been like?

KJ: It’s been incredible. The master’s program is almost entirely performance-based, so I’ve had more onstage experience than I ever would have been offered at another school: I’ve been in 14 productions. It’s insane! In March I got to perform my dream role (thus far): Marie in Wozzeck.

CP: If you ever leave Philly, what will you miss the most?

KJ: I’ve really fallen in love with Reading Terminal Market. Where else are you going to find the Amish mingling with people from South Philly? And the food is fabulous. I’d really miss that corned beef special from Hershel’s East Side Deli.

The Rape of Lucretia, June 5-14, $30-$135, Opera Co. of Philadelphia, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999, operaphilly.com.

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