INTERVIEWS
ALISON ENGLAND: "Success is balance! In voice and in life! NO DEBT and time for family too!"
Q: Did you suffer rejections when you began your career? How did you deal or cope with it? Alison: Yes and STILL do that is never going to end. Ask my colleagues. However, when I first started, I really did skyrocket! It was later after a family tragedy and needing to take a couple of years off that the rejection came around a bit because people did not know why I left for awhile. I deal with it by having a life! A real life! Time to rest: my daughter; my marriage (what we have is really a marriage just not official YET) and I teach and do Master Classes all over, I give back and that helps too! Q: Your first major break? Alison: Driving in pouring rain to sing for Willy Waters in Connecticut! He was looking for a soprano for his Miami company for Carlisle Floyd's new American opera! The stats fit me perfectly and my manager got us in the car; we drove in pouring rain; got there 5 min before I was to sing; I went into the bathroom and yodeled a bit and then just let it rip! My manager faxed Willy that on the drive alone I should get the contract! He gave to us and I starred at Miami Opera which lead to a contract for the same role at Seattle Opera and Carlisle and I worked together after that often! I have great friends! Q: What success means to you? Alison: Balance! In voice and in life! NO DEBT and time for family too! Q: Why did you relocate to Europe? Alison: My energy, my voice and my hairstyle all are European and I always wanted to be here I always felt this was my place and I was right! There is a different market here and I was just LEAD by my gut to do this! Q: Are Opera Divas funny? Do they enjoy or tell jokes? Alison: I AM Carol Burnett with an operatic voice! I LOVE jokes I make people laugh naturally, ask my colleagues! Come see my show!
ALISON ENGLAND: "AM I A FEMME FATALE? ABSOLUTELY! WHEN I WANT"
Q: Your favorite colors? Alison: Pink and lilac! For drama red and black! Q: Your favorite authors and books? Alison: Susan Dane, The Bible, JK Rowlings and ALL the romance history books you can find! Q: Places or countries you love most? Alison: Nice, Corsica and Colorado! Q: Any advice to aspiring opera singers? Alison: Study! Take acting and improve! Get your life settled! Have a sense of humor and a great support system and GET YOUR NICHE IN A REPERTOIRE DO NOT DO EVERYTHING EVEN IF YOU CAN! Q: What do you fear most when you are on stage? Alison: My own self criticism! Q: The three most important qualities of an Opera Singer? Alison: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. Q: And the three most important virtues or strengths of an Opera Singer? Alison: PERSEVERANCE, FAITH, HUMILITY. Q: Are you a Diva? Alison: Yes! But a fun one! Q: Are you a Femme Fatale? Alison: Absolutely when I want to be!
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