Biography

SFS Chorus member since: 1996

Hometown:  Oakland, California

Began singing: At age 15.

Musical inspirations:  Thomas Fettke, my high school chorus teacher 

If I were not a professional singer I might be a: Chef. I love to cook and enjoy the creative aspects of discovering how various foods taste when combined in different ways. It should come as no surprise to anyone that knows me that my life revolves around music and food (and not necessarily in that order!).

Favorite composers: Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, Beethoven, Bach, Schubert

Favorite vocal works to sing: Barber, “Sure on this Shining Night”; Donizetti, “Una furtiva lagrima,” from The Elixir of Love; Mozart, “Il mio tesoro,” from Don Giovanni; Handel, “Comfort Ye” and “Ev’ry Valley,” from Messiah
 
When I’m not working, I enjoy: Cooking and gardening. I recently planted an herb garden, and I love experimenting with different herbs and how they can totally change the taste of a dish, especially when used in different combinations.

Recent reading: The Harry Potter series

On my CD player/ iPod: Rosa Ponselle singing “Ernani involami,” from Verdi’s Ernani;  Beniamino Gigli and Licia Albanese singing Act One of Puccini’s  La bohème; Joan Sutherland and Luciano Pavarotti singing Puccini’s Turandot

Favorite things to do in the Bay Area: I love to explore the various farmers markets that the Bay Area offers. Each one caters to a different niche market, and you can discover some fascinating fruits and vegetables. I remember the first time I tasted a Green Zebra Striped tomato I couldn’t believe a tomato could taste that good!

Plus: My partner and I purchased a home a couple of years ago, and we have embarked on a project to do a total remodel of our master bathroom. We are both eager to begin the demolition, but we know enough to leave the actual construction to professionals!