Ever since his start with the Virginia Opera back in 2010 as a conductor, Maestro Adam Turner has overseen stellar performances from Der Freischutz and Sweeney Todd to Carmen and La Boheme. In his new position, Maestro Turner hopes to advance opera’s role in the lives of young people.
How do you plan to grow the audience and draw in younger people?
I find that when I have a moment to unplug and connect into something bigger than myself … that when I’m able to connect with something more profound and more meaningful, that I have a better time. My goal in reaching young people is showing them that there are alternatives to their devices and their digital platforms.
What sets Virginia Opera apart from other companies?
Virginia Opera provides a unique platform for young, up-and- coming talent. A lot of big name singers on the scene right now made their start in Virginia Opera, [like] Renee Fleming, a very famous soprano who’s known internationally. And we now have the Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist Program, which attracts nearly 600 applicants yearly for only 15 to 20 spots in our program. Those singers are going on to sing at the Met, sing in Vienna at the Staatsoper, sing in Berlin, sing all over the world, and we can always say we gave them one of their first big career opportunities that set them on their paths.
What is so special about opera?
It’s a unification of all of the art forms. It’s not only music, it’s not only language and storytelling. It’s dance, it’s orchestral playing, it’s design, costumes, lighting and sets. It creates opportunities for everybody to participate. It’s a truly all-embracing, all-encompassing art form.
Quick Hits:
- Neighborhood: Norfolk
- First opera that got you hooked: Mozart’s The Magic Flute. I was just in awe of the vocal pyrotechnics. It’s superhuman; they are truly Olympic athletes.
- If not opera, what other art form would you get involved in: In the theater in some way, whether it be Broadway or dance. I’d try to find myself at the piano or accompanying singers.
