Kirstin Roble
Light lyric mezzo-soprano
Decorah, Iowa
Please tell our readers about your career highlights so far.
Most recently, I sang scenes from The Sound of Music, The King and I, and Anything Goes. Last fall, I performed in an original Cole Porter review for the opera scenes courses. Last summer, I understudied the role of Mercédès in Carmen. I have sung choruses in Lucia di Lammermoor, L’elisir d’amore, Dido and Aeneas, and Nabucco. Recently, I have also performed scenes from La Cenerentola, Don Giovanni, Suor Angelica, and Die Fledermaus.
What are your goals for the next five years? The next 10 years?
In the next five years, I hope to complete my undergraduate study at Luther College as well as obtain master’s and doctoral degrees. In 10 years, I hope to be teaching voice at a college as well as a regularly performing in operas and oratorios and as a recitalist.
What is your dream role, and why?
I want to sing Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor. It’s such a beautiful role. Even though it is something I will probably never sing, I love it all the same. Lucia is such a tragic character, yet that is where the elegance of Donizetti’s music comes into play. During her famous mad scene, her line is overwhelmingly gorgeous.
How do you handle the inevitable rejection that is part of a singer’s life?
I definitely have dealt with my share of rejection. However, I think each rejection has made me a stronger person. I allow myself to be upset, but then I move on. I’m still young and have a long way to go, so I really have to look at each audition as a learning experience. If I didn’t get a certain role or solo, it’s because that wasn’t supposed to be for me. Something better will come along.
How do you balance career and family?
I think I’m learning to balance better as I have gotten older. When I started college, all I wanted to do was sing and sing and do everything related to singing. As I have gotten older, I have realized that you need to have family to come home to when things get tough. I stay in touch with my family via cell phone, e-mail, and Facebook.
What is your favorite article you’ve read in Classical Singer, and why?
I really enjoy the articles dealing with vocal issues. As a singer that is currently dealing with her own set of vocal issues, it is comforting to know that there are others out there who know and understand what I am going through.
Who is your favorite singer and why?
Natalie Dessay. She was diagnosed with nodes and didn’t let them get her down. She dealt with them and has gone on to maintain a spectacular career since then. I hope to be able to do the same.
Do you have a saying that you live by?
Do what you love and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. When I started out in music, there were a lot who said it might not be the best path for me. I knew that I could do it, however, so I worked harder to grow as a singer and have been very pleased with the results.
