Patrick Anderson
Columbus, Ohio
Tenor
Please tell our readers about your career highlights so far.
Highlights include singing in a masterclass for Thomas Hampson, singing in a chorale that featured Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings symphony, completing a master of music degree, and singing in Italy over the summer of 2007.
What are your goals for the next five years? The next 10 years?
Goals for five years: Continue building a performance résumé; continue auditioning and studying repertoire; find a “home base” for myself; and continue to learn about the voice. Ten years: Have either a performance career or go back to school for a doctorate; have a permanent dwelling for myself and hopefully for my parents when they vacation (I’m looking at the Oregon coast). Daily goal: Live life to its fullest always.
What is your dream role, and why?
Tannhäuser. He is guilty of nothing more than following his heart and in all instances it gets him in trouble (with Venus, the court, and the Catholic Church). I think he is very human in his choices and makes his mistakes like we all do. And the music is magnificent.
How do you handle the inevitable rejection that is part of a singer’s life?
With the belief that what is meant to happen in my career will happen in due time. It’s worked so far.
How do you balance career and family?
I’m currently single but I’m always on my cell phone with my parents and siblings. Thanks, Verizon.
What is your favorite article you’ve read in Classical Singer, and why?
The “Three Months to a Better Career” [May, June, July, ’08]. Being stationary for a year, this gives me ideas on how to stay motivated and how to keep up with practicing and learning roles and arias (which is important, balancing four different jobs) throughout the year, not just in the summer months.
Who is your favorite singer and why?
It’s a tie between Brigitte Fassbaender and Lucia Popp. Both were true artists in everything they undertook, whether opera, oratorio, or recital repertoire.
What is your favorite techno tool you use as a singer?
My iPod and microphone—I listen to it all the time, and the microphone allows me to record directly into the iPod. Then I can listen to it or record audition material in a pinch—truly a great pedagogical tool.
Anything else you’d like to say during your moment in Center Stage?
Hi mom!
