ArtSpotlight

Carla DelVillaggio
Lyric Soprano

Lyric Soprano, Carla DelVillaggio, has been critically acclaimed for her superb interpretations of leading roles in operas such as Les Contes d'Hoffmann, La Bohème, Carmen, Die Fledermaus, and La Cenerentola. She is a consummate actress and a natural comedienne with impeccable comic timing. Critics have compared her to the likes of Bette Midler and Carol Burnett. Ms. DelVillaggio has appeared with the Orlando Opera Company, the International Opera Workshop in the Czech Republic, the Annapolis Opera Company, Opera Camerata of Washington, Summer Opera Theatre Company (D.C.) and Tri-Cities Opera Company, to name a few. She is frequently heard in concert and orchestral repertoire performing Oratorio and Operetta favorites as well as the classics of the American Musical Theatre. Ms. DelVillaggio's engagements have allowed her the opportunity to collaborate with many eminent stage directors such as: Frank Corsaro, Will Crutchfield, Bernard Uzan, James Lucas, John Lehmeyer and David Gately, as well as such distinguished conductors as: Julius Rudel, Christian Badea, Karen Keltner and Mark Flint. She has also had the opportunity to produce and direct programs of operatic and musical theatre excerpts over the years and enjoys this second only to being onstage herself.

 

While a member of Tri-Cities Opera's "Artist Resident Training Program", Ms. DelVillaggio attended the State University of New York, where she earned her Master of Music degree, with an Opera Specialization. In 1998, she was one of 8 singers chosen to participate in Florida Grand Opera's first-ever "Advanced Role Preparation Studio", where she studied the roles of Nedda in Pagliacci and Violetta in La Traviata with stage director Bernard Uzan and internationally known soprano Diana Soviero. In 2001, she made her European debut in the Czech Republic, singing the title role in La Traviata. That same year she had the great honor of singing in Washington, DC, at a joint event for Czech, Slovak and American dignitaries, including the head of the Czech Senate and Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State. In 2002, Ms. DelVillaggio was honored by her alma mater, Seminole Community College, by being awarded a "Distinguished Alumni" award, in recognition of her contribution and commitment to her art. 2006 saw her return to The Orlando Messiah Choral Society as soprano soloist in their performance of Handel's Messiah.

 

Ms DelVillaggio resides in Lake Mary, Florida and is currently on the voice faculties of both Rollins College (Winter Park, Florida) and Valencia Community College, (Orlando, Florida) as well as maintaining a private studio in her home. Her work as a teacher has been extensive and incredibly rewarding. She maintains a full schedule of private voice students while also teaching voice classes, Music Appreciation and Music Literature, and Performance Lab for singers. The project which has made her the most proud, since beginning her work at Valencia Community College in 2004, is the creation of the school's first-ever Opera-Theatre Workshop. This unique class, which is not usually offered on the community college level, has become immensely popular. It allows students to experiment with acting, choreography and staging, with an emphasis on character analysis and communication techniques. This labor of love has been one of her greatest joys since she began at Valencia. She participates in faculty recitals each year, and this past semester was the featured soprano soloist during the 40th Anniversary Gala Celebration at Valencia.

Aside from her teaching duties, Ms DelVillaggio's singing career has taken a rather unexpected direction. In 2006, she made her debut at the Sunburst Convention for Celebrity Impersonators, in Orlando, as a Barbra Streisand tribute artist. The response was overwhelming and it has proven to be something she enjoys completely and has allowed her opportunities to bring a bit of "Barbra" to people all over the country. Her natural resemblance to Ms Streisand and her ability to sing like her led her in this direction, with the help of family and friends, and it is now the main focus of her singing career. To be able to impersonate her lifelong idol, is a humbling yet exhilarating experience and opportunity. Streisand's unparalleled artistry has inspired her for many years and she continues to be moved by the music and elegance of this wonderful artist. Her hope is to inspire her students and those who hear her sing, in the same way that she has been inspired by others. She will be appearing on June 2nd & 3rd at the Funky Monkey Wine Company on Mills Avenue, in Orlando, and has other upcoming engagements both in Florida and out of state. She will also be performing at the 2008 Sunburst Convention in Orlando this September.

Click to enlarge Image

Do you have an artist to recommend for a future ArtSpotlight? If you do, contact ArtSpotlight@theArtsweb.com. You can even recommend yourself!