I want to begin by saying that I am thrilled to be singing the music of Sicilian composer Vincenzo Bellini who was from the province of Catania, as was my grandfather.  My “nonno” was born in Caltagirone, whereas Bellini was from the city of Catania, also the capital of the province.  The house where Bellini was born is now a museum which I hope to visit someday. 

Even though I grew up with Verdi, Puccini, and lots of verismo (Mascagni was king), La Sonnambula and I Puritani were staples in my grandparent’s house.  Ironically, I don’t ever remember listening to Norma, though I’m sure my family was crazy about that opera too.  My grandmother’s favorite singer was Luisa Tetrazzini, and she thought that her Amina and Elvira were pure perfection.  When my grandparents and great-grandparents migrated to Argentina at the beginning of the last century, they started a Sicilian neighborhood in the suburbs of Buenos Aires.  So on Sundays, when my grandfather opened every window and every door, and played opera loudly all day long, there was never a complaint from any of the neighbors.  Quite the contrary.  It was a day of celebration with visits to church for Sunday mass, huge lunches with family members, visits to more family members, “futbol”, and opera, lots of opera. 

I have always loved the bel canto repertoire, more so than any other, so when this opportunity presented itself I went after it with a vengeance.  I Capuleti e i Montecchi is a great vehicle for mezzo-sopranos and one which is not done very often, so I’m very excited to be tackling the role of Romeo this summer, however demanding.  Bellini’s melodies are gorgeous and one has the opportunity to shape phrases in ways that only composers like him allow.  But he certainly doesn’t make it easy, so I’ll be facing this vocal and acting challenge while thinking of my grandparents every step of the way.  Hmmm....I wonder how my grandmother would feel about me doing a trouser role?

Vincenzo Bellini

Alexandra Mena, Mezzo-Soprano ◊ Copyright © 2007-2012

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