Singer Spotlight

Rachel Cetel
2018 Summer Opera Festival ROLE: The Monitress in Suor Angelica

What are you looking forward to most about preparing your role?
Not only is Suor Angelica a one-act, but it also has an all -female principal cast.  I have never been a part of anything like this before! It will be really fun to have a “girl power” type of opera experience this summer. In addition, I have sung with several of the members of the principal cast before in other venues.  I am definitely looking forward to collaborating with these talented ladies, many of whom are my friends!

If you had to choose a pop song that best describes the character you are portraying, what would it be?
Rockwell’s Somebody’s Watching Me- This sounds very silly, but the first thing that came to mind when I read this question were the lyrics “I always feel like somebody’s watching me”.  (I am probably showing my age with this song! ) The Monitress is a disciplinarian, and her eyes are everywhere. She is constantly calling the sisters out on their transgressions.

What do you think will be the most challenging part about preparing your role?
Figuring out the nuance of each particular character I speak to in the opera.  A lot of this will come once I get to know my cast-mates better.

Why do you love to sing opera?
Singing is just pure joy and magic to me.  I can think of very little else I would rather do!  I am a voice teacher who also truly loves performing.  Singing makes me a better teacher, and teaching makes me a better singer.  Opera is such a rewarding discipline because so much goes into it.  It’s not all about singing correct notes and rhythms; it’s about exhibiting true artistry.

Aside from singing, name a talent/stupid human trick/hobby others might not be aware of ....
A guilty pleasure of mine is reading cheesy “chick-lit” fiction.   I also am told that I am an amazing cook.