McPhee Voices: Christopher Mayell
As we approach the 20th anniversary season of our McPhee Artist Development Program, we're reconnecting with the extraordinary alumni who have explored their craft with Calgary Opera. Tenor Christopher Mayell was a McPhee Artist in the 2007/08 and 2008/09 seasons, joining the likes of Wendy Nielsen, John Fanning, and Tracy Dahl onstage. We caught up with Mayell about his highlights, his adventures in Japan, and his advice for today's emerging artists.
What's a standout memory from your time as a McPhee Artist?
Christopher Mayell: "Getting to stand mere centimetres away from Tracy Dahl as she sang "Caro nome" in Rigoletto. Better than that, getting to rehearse alongside her for four weeks. She kindly gave advice and feedback, and showed me how to be a stellar performer and stellar colleague on stage and in the rehearsal hall.
What do you remember was the biggest learning curve as an emerging artist?
CM: "Stamina! Calgary Opera provided us with such a wealth of educational opportunities. It was great, but I remember very long days, and getting home really happy but really spent."
What skills that you learned as a McPhee Artist have you taken with you into your professional life?
CM: "Confidence speaking in front of any crowd. Singing opera is so incredibly demanding and vulnerable. Thankfully, the Emerging Artist programme gave me countless chances to get accustomed to that vulnerability (through masterclasses with visiting artists, and performances outside my comfort zone, such as acting in The Importance of Earnest and dancing ballet). Having been through those experiences, the idea of simply doing public speaking in front of people seems easy."
Do you still sing professionally? If not, what are you up to now?
CM: "I don't sing professionally anymore. After teaching English in Japan for years (where thankfully I did get to sing with the kids as part of the standard public school curriculum with stunning lyrics like 'Where is the supermarket? Go straight for two blocks!'. I now teach literacy to elementary school students in my hometown of Kingston."
What role does singing play in your life today?
CM: "I sing for fun, but mostly just in the shower and the car."
What advice do you have for today's emerging artists?
CM: "School is the place where it feels important for all of us to be snobby about being an opera singer (admit it!). And this is only natural — we put a lot of time and energy and money into it. It becomes our identity. But that phase is over now. I wish I had recognized and appreciated the idea that singing artistry can come in many forms. I hope you will be open to learning something about the craft of singing by listening to Ariana Grande, as much as Angela Gheorghiu."
What non-singing skill have you honed that you're most proud of?
CM: "I can play the Japanese shakuhachi, which is devilishly difficult."
