McPhee Voices: Alanna Fraize
Newfoundland-born Alanna Fraize took the stage as a McPhee Artist from 2020 to 2022, lending her voice to Calgary Opera's productions of The Merry Widow, La traviata, tours of Hansel and Gretel and The Brothers Grimm, and the opera lab commission, The Cipher Clerk — and Fraize calls it a highlight to have played the title role of L'Enfant (the Child) in 2021's The Enchanted Child. We caught up with the mezzo-soprano about life after the McPhee Program, running her own studio, and the value of going with the flow.
What's a standout memory from your time as a McPhee Artist?
Alanna Fraize: "A standout memory for me was definitely performing the role of L'Enfant in The Enchanted Child by Maurice Ravel. I had sung multiple roles in this opera with other companies and had always dreamed of singing the titular role. There is so much to explore musically and dramatically in this role."
What do you remember as the biggest learning curve as an emerging artist?
AF: "I joined Calgary Opera as an emerging artist in the middle of a global pandemic, so it was a major adjustment in so many ways for the whole world at the time. We were very fortunate, as McPhee Artists, to be able to continue working and singing during this time. We had to learn to adapt to the continuously changing landscape of what was possible, in order to continue performing in a safe manner. This was extremely difficult at times, but we learned to adapt to the changes, while continuing to do what we love, including singing in booths made of plexiglass by ourselves, while being next to each other!"
Do you still sing professionally?
AF: "I am still singing professionally with companies such as Opera Australia, the Philharmonic Choir of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra and the NSO. I was the mezzo-soprano soloist in the Seafarers’ Requiem by the Canadian composer Mary Knickle, with the PCNSO and members of the NSO, under the baton of Stephen Candow last month. I have been travelling for performances in Ireland, Canada and Australia for the past few years."
What role does singing play in your life today?
AF: "It is a very rare day for me if I am not singing at various gigs and as a teacher. I am now the co-owner of Greene Fraize Music Studio with my mother, where I teach voice! I teach singers of all ages and have students who are now in various music schools across the country studying classical voice, and others who are about to start their undergraduate degrees in voice. It is such a privilege to introduce these young singers to the world of classical music, and it makes me so proud when these students want to pursue classical voice!"
What advice do you have for today's emerging artists?
AF: "Your career will bring you to so many different places. You may travel the world and have so many wonderful experiences. Every singer needs to keep an open mind as to what their particular career will look like. The possibilities are infinite, and sometimes we need to be creative about finding performance opportunities."
What non-singing skill have you honed that you're most proud of?
AF: "I have been playing piano since I was a young child (my mother is a pianist). Lately, I have begun playing the piano every day for long period of time while I’m teaching. This has led to me playing multiple types of music and rediscovering my love for the instrument! I highly recommend every singer should learn to play the piano well: it will only help and enhance your singing."
