Jane Archibald is the COC's inaugural Artist-in-Residence for the 2017/2018 season. in addition to the performing the role of Zdenka during our fall run, Jane returns this winter as Konstanze in The Abduction from the Seraglio (one of her most acclaimed roles), and the Nightingale in The Nightingale and Other Short Fables later in the spring. Jane will also give a recital as part of the COC's Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, with a program titled Vienna to Paris. What is one thing that would surprise people to learn about you? I LOVE to be "MacGyver" when I'm on the road. Some of my proudest "fix-it" moments involve rigging upright showers and shower curtains (usually in France, for some reason!).
Sequels happen all the time in movies. What sequel to an opera would you like to see happen? Fledermaus 2, Rosalinda's mid-life crisis! (Of course, I star in this sequel!)
If you got stuck in the elevator and were forced to listen to only one song, what song would it be? "Take it Easy" by the Eagles.
What always brings a smile to your face? My daughter's giggle.
If you could have personally witnessed anything, what would you want to have seen? The entire scope of the Roman Empire at its height (well, not the gory bits with lions and gladiators)
What drives you to do what you do? What motivates you? It's a complicated mix these days, if I'm honest (and I have a hard time not being honest!). Briefly: the joy of music-making, paying the bills and the existential question (who would I even be if I weren't a singer?"
If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day who would it be and why? My husband. Can you imagine how amazing that would be for a marriage?! To REALLY understand what it is to walk in your partner's shoes :-)
What is something you've always wanted to try but have been too scared? Nothing, really. I learned to overcome fear at a young age by singing in front of people on a stage (my whole career is a testament to overcoming fears!!!)
What is your favourite Disney movie of all time? I'm just not a Disney/animated-movie kind of girl. I do appreciate that more recent "kids" films have been designed to entertain adults too, but they're never my first choice...
If you weren't an opera singer, you would be? Not a writer, exactly, but some job having to do with language and writing... maybe PR?
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Australia!! I keep hoping to get hired to sing there... Anyone listening in Australia? Bueller? Bueller?
Who are three people, alive or dead or fictional, that you would live to have dinner with? Mozart, my dad, my maternal grandmother.
Who is the performer that you would drop anything and everything to go and see? I would have done so for Sutherland!!
What is the first thing you do when you arrive in a new city? Completely unpack, buy groceries and then assess the apartment in order to shop for all things that are missing/broken/ancient. Comfort comes first when you spend your life on the road.
What is the first thing you do when you arrive back home? Flop on my OWN couch and my OWN bed and open my OWN fridge and sigh contentedly at how great it is to be HOME!
Any pre-performance or post-performance rituals? Pre: Sleep in, stay in PJs, eat a smallish meal mid-afternoon. I also, weirdly, always wait to brush my teeth at the theatre, after makeup but before putting my lipstick on! Post: Haagen-Dazs, Netflix/internet surfing until the adrenaline wears off and I can sleep! I also like to walk home from the theatre to decompress a bit.
What's the best thing about being an opera singer? The thrill of making music with other amazing musicians. Whether it happens in a rehearsal, coaching or during a performance, those special moments are absolutely spectacular.
What is one peice of advice for Zdenka? Be yourself, lady! Life is too short! Banner: Jane Archibald in The Abduction from the Seraglio (Opéra de Lyon, 2016), photo: Bertrand Stofleth
