Zachary Poholek, Bass
Knoxville, Tenn.
What have your career highlights been, up until now?
Singing Oberon in the world premiere of Kristin Hevner’s Il Sogno di una notte di mezza estate with International Opera Theatre in Italy, and singing The Bonze in Ash Lawn Opera’s Madama Butterfly under the starry (and sometimes rainy) Virginia sky with the peacocks and cows chiming in at their leisure from the not so distant fields … a magnificent and unforgettable summer!
What are your goals for the next five years? The next 10 years?
In five years, it would be nice if I had engagements lined up for the following five years!
I would like to direct someday, and often dream of having my own company.
Who is your mentor or the most influential person in your life as a singer?
Carol McAmis of Ithaca College
What is your dream role and why?
Boris Godunov! The drama, the beauty, the title role—and of course, the death.
How do you handle the inevitable rejection that is part of a singer’s life?
I try to maintain a spiritual belief that things happen for a reason. When rejection is at its worst, it’s time to get to work, whether it be practicing, listening, reading, or sending out more applications.
How do you juggle career and family?
I try to get home as much as possible and make holidays a priority. It’s even better when my family can come visit me!
What is your favorite article you’ve read in Classical Singer, and why?
“The Healing Power of Music” by Marion M. Gough. This article provides such a beautiful way of thinking about what we do as artists. It really puts things in perspective and challenges the stereotype that singing is a self-centered lifestyle.
Who is your favorite singer?
George London. He booms, and you can hear the dramatic intention in every breath. His “Ol’ Man River” is inspiring.
What is your favorite techno tool that you use as a singer?
With my laptop, iPod and Classical Singer website, I am an on-the-go, one-man business, complete with a recording studio, marketing and publicity department, and top-of-the-line organizational equipment.
