McPhee Voices: Laura Brandt

Soprano Laura Brandt is a McPhee Artist Development Program alumna, leaving her mark on Calgary Opera's history from 2013-15. "My husband and I were living in Toronto, and we drove out to Calgary in 2013 with all of our belongings strapped to the car," Brandt recalls. "We haven't left since!" 

As we celebrate 20 years of McPhee Artists, we caught up with Brandt about the friends, the adrenaline, and the sheer adventure of her time with Calgary Opera:

What's a standout memory from your time as a McPhee Artist?

Laura Brandt: "When I was in the 2015 production of Carmen as Frasquita, a flu bug went through the cast. Carmen, Don José, and the conductor were all sick. The emerging artist playing Mercedes (Beste Kalender) was given the opportunity to sing Carmen, so another young artist (Stephanie Tritchew) jumped into the role of Mercédès at VERY short notice.

"Between scenes we were running to the backstage rehearsal hall to quickly practice the next number. Onstage I was giving Mercédès little nudges about where to go next. Stephanie is a pro and nailed it, but it made for a very thrilling and unpredictable night on stage for the performers."

What do you remember was the biggest learning curve as an emerging artist?

LB: "I found it fascinating to watch the rehearsals and see the professional singers at work. We were allowed to sit in the Jubilee Auditorium during tech week and I learned so much about 'the real world' of opera and stage production, and how it differed from the academic experiences I had previously had. How to conduct yourself in a rehearsal, how to handle disagreements with the director or conductor, how to be professional and a good colleague. Many good memories sitting in the theatre with my colleagues and friends Alex Beley and Julie Ludwig!"

What skills that you learned as a McPhee Artist have you taken with you into your professional life?

LB: "We spent lots of time at donor events where you have to converse and mingle with strangers. We were actually given training on how to do this! What questions to ask, how to exit a conversation, etc. As an introvert it is something I use all the time in my real life, both personally and professionally! I also use many of the musical and acting skills I learned in my life as a musician and teacher."

Do you still sing professionally? What are you up to now?

LB: "I still sing professionally part-time. Recently I have performed with Chorus Inspira and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Luminous Voices, and the Bow Valley Chorus. I spend most of my time teaching and running my studio the Wildwood School of Music in Calgary.  I have an amazing team of teachers and we are working on expanding in the next year."

What role does singing play in your life today?

LB: "I sing pretty much every day. I might be working with a student, preparing for an upcoming concert, or just singing for fun with my family! The path of a professional singer is so challenging and I am still so grateful every time I get to share my voice with an audience. I feel more confident and creative as a singer now than when I was a young artist."

What advice do you have for today's emerging artists?

LB: "Be prepared to seek out multiple streams of income. Cultivate a rich life with hobbies, friends and interests that aren't related to singing. If you are always worried about what people think, you can't do your best work — sing with your voice, your way."

What non-singing skill have you honed that you're most proud of?

LB: "I picked up knitting as a pandemic hobby and I have learned so much! I usually have a project on the go and love to make gifts for my family."