Spotlight on Kathleen Kelly
Part of the new series, Life of the Opera Pianist
Photo by Arielle Doneson
Education:
Arizona State University, BM and MM in piano performance
Current opera house and position(s): freelance
Other or former affiliations:
Wiener Staatsoper (Studienleiterin), Houston Grand Opera, Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera
Contact or Connect:
Twitter: hysterifrau. Instagram: kathleenkellymusic
Website
11 Questions
Many people do not know the many roles and responsibilities a répétiteur has in the opera house. How do you explain your job to non-musicians, or even other musicians?
Sometimes we are glue, sometimes we are WD-40, and sometimes we are duct tape! We hold things together, we make things run smoothly, and/or do emergency repairs :)
What do you find to be one of the most challenging aspects of your job?
It’s also one of the most creative - entering into other’s conception of a piece, taking on the musical shapings and opinions of other musicians. It’s challenging to give up some of the things I want or love, but often amazing to see the music through the eyes and ears of someone else.
Do you have a favorite part of the preparation (rehearsal or learning an opera) process? If so, what is it and why?
I love all parts of it, but especially one-on-one work with singers, experimenting with ideas, and my own work experimenting with how to make a piano feel like an orchestra.
What is your favorite opera?
The one I’m working on.
What is your favorite opera score to play and why?
Die Walküre. It’s paced really well for a pianist, and it’s so beautiful and satisfying.
What are some adjectives that describe the skills one needs to be a good répétiteur?
Physical health - solid technique and no back problems! Patience, critical listening skills both musically and personally, and an ability to read the room.
As a répétiteur, we are expected to prepare music quickly (sometimes having to sightread or transpose or play music from the orchestra full score), manage multiple opera productions at the same time, play rehearsals for last minute cast changes, conduct last minute rehearsals or performances and sometimes even sing roles in these rehearsals or performances. Do you have any advice on how to deal with the excitement of the job?
Definitely find what your stress relievers are! Get up from the bench, take a walk, be with other people. And at the beginning of the career, when you’re often dealing with new situations, stay patient with yourself. You can’t know everything, and everyone gets a first time, even us. Also, notice whether your house has your back or not. Staff needs, and respect for musical and production staff members, should never be sacrificed.
We also wear many hats as a répétiteur. We are often asked to assist conductors by taking notes, provide backstage conducting for performances, prompt the singers, conduct staging rehearsals, accompany chorus rehearsals, manage sound effects or major musical cues for performances, perform a keyboard instrument (or two) in the orchestra pit and give notes to singers about language and diction. Do you have a favorite aspect of the career? Have you branched out in other directions related to our field?
A couple! I do some conducting, do a lot of language work, and have written some libretti as a result.
What was your first experience as a répétiteur? And your most recent experience as a répétiteur?
I ended up playing for my college opera because they lost a pianist and I needed the money, and I learned (put BIG air quotes around the word “learned”!!) Così fan tutte in a week to jump in to rehearsals. I was hooked! Right now I’m playing rehearsals for Act One of Die Walküre at New Orleans Opera with a few of the new generation of Wagnerians - so exciting to watch them step into these roles.
How do you manage playing an opera (or opera aria) for the nth time?
With the sound of the orchestra in my mind, and curiosity about what the new singer brings to it.
Do you have any advice for pianists interested in a career at an opera house?
Do some study every day. Crack a new score, translate some words, listen to a singer from some other era. Even if this is just for a couple of minutes, keep feeding your ear and mind, and stay curious.
Any additional memories, thoughts or comments?
It can’t happen without us :)
Behind the Scenes
Kathleen Kelly, prompter of the Metropolitan Opera from The Wall Street Journal
Kathleen Kelly on #KiKiKonversations, July 2021
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