In the Mind of a Diva – Joyce DiDonato

Playbill Arts
Jeremy Geffen
View Article

She is a self-proclaimed storyteller – not only on opera stages in her trademark bel canto roles, but in candid conversation as well. Joyce DiDonato speaks from the heart, recounting her youth in Kansas and the role her upbringing has played in the evolution of her acclaimed career.

Now as a 2014–2015 Carnegie Hall Perspectives artist, the Yankee Diva (as she is known to her legions of fans around the world) has provided further glimpses into her musical journey through her performance in the title role of Alcina with The English Concert and a solo recital with pianist David Zobel last fall. But her series is far from over, with upcoming performances alongside the Brentano String Quartet next month and The Philadelphia Orchestra in March, as well as a handful of master classes. In a recent interview with Jeremy Geﬀen, Carnegie Hall’s director of artistic planning, Ms. DiDonato explains her approach to curating her series and why the classroom was her ﬁrst musical refuge.

As an artist, you will never arrive at a fixed destination. THIS is the glory and the reward of striving to master your craft and embarking on the path of curiosity and imagination, while being tireless in your pursuit of something greater than yourself.