Unlock the Editor’s Digest for Free: Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, Handpicks the Best Stories Every Week
Discover the fascinating story of J’Nai Bridges, whose life took a sudden turn after a minor falling-out with her basketball coach. Instead of pursuing a career in professional basketball, Bridges decided to follow her other passion and become an opera singer.
Surprisingly, there are more similarities between sports and opera singing than one might think. Both require mental and physical strength, as Bridges, now 36 years old, reflects on her early years. She says, “I always like to say that opera singers are athletes. Using your whole body to project your voice unamplified to thousands of people takes the same strength and endurance as in basketball, and you also need the same lack of tension.” She compares singing to tennis, where the swing and body motion in tennis is the same as the inhalation and breath preparation in singing.
As Bridges prepares for her busy 2023-24 season, which includes performances in three major American works, she emphasizes the importance of strength and health for singers. She acknowledges that opera singers are like athletes and if they get sick, their performance suffers.
One of the highlights of Bridges’ season is her collaboration with composer Jake Heggie on his new opera, “Intelligence,” which is set during the American Civil War. Bridges describes the role as “very intense” and a deeply personal experience for her as a black American woman.
In addition to Heggie’s opera, Bridges will also perform in Julia Perry’s “Stabat Mater” and John Adams’ “El Niño.” Bridges considers herself a champion of black women composers and is honored to promote their rarely performed music.
Bridges’ journey from her upbringing in Tacoma, Washington, to performing on prestigious opera stages has been remarkable. Known for her rich mezzo voice, wide vocal range, and captivating stage presence, Bridges has already established herself as a top-tier singer with debut performances at renowned opera houses.
Influenced by icons like former first lady Michelle Obama and writer Maya Angelou, Bridges holds soprano Jessye Norman at the top of her list of inspirations. Recounting a personal encounter with Norman, Bridges recalls the advice she received: “Learn your languages and sing from your soul.” While acknowledging that she still has work to do on her languages, Bridges maintains a passionate appreciation for opera in all languages and styles.
Bridges recognizes the importance of contemporary American operas in attracting a new audience to the art form. She believes that these new works help people of all races and backgrounds identify with opera more readily, ultimately touching their hearts and souls.
Don’t miss Bridges’ upcoming performances, including the premiere of “Intelligence” at the Houston Grand Opera on October 20, “Stabat Mater” at David Geffen Hall in New York from November 22-25, and “El Niño” at the Metropolitan Opera in New York on April 23.
Unleash the Editor’s Digest and delve into the world of opera with Roula Khalaf’s personal selections of captivating stories.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
