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Currently residing in Boston, Massachusetts, Omar hails from Reading, a charming town just outside of Boston. His journey through the world of opera has been both unique and inspiring. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Ithaca College and a Master of Music from Boston University. Although he's never experienced Virginia before, he's eagerly looking forward to his debut here in La Rondine, where he takes on the role of Ruggero for the first time. While he's new to this specific character, he's not new to this piece; his husband conducted a production of La Rondine some years ago.
Omar speaks Spanish, although he admits it's been a while since he put it to the test.He is happy to participate in radio or TV interviews and open to creating video content.
Omar began his musical journey as a pianist at the age of five. However, his singing career took an unexpected turn when, as a child, he once had to stay awake for a doctor's appointment and watched The Sound of Music, a movie that ignited his passions, both for singing and the mountains. While his parents are both engineers, they wholeheartedly supported his artistic aspirations. Although no one else in his family pursued music professionally, they all share a love for music.
One of Omar's most unforgettable experiences was the time he had to step in last minute to perform the role of Rodolfo in La Boheme at Boston Lyric Opera. He sight-read the role during a room run, and his performance was so impressive that he was offered the role on the spot. In just five days, he went from being an understudy to the lead role, a whirlwind experience he'll never forget.
Beyond his singing career, Omar is deeply passionate about hiking and the mountains. The outdoors, particularly the mountains, hold a special place in his heart. He'll seize any opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature, making it a perfect balance to his life in the world of opera.
While he may not have any secret vocal tips, Omar maintains a disciplined lifestyle leading up to performances. He focuses on diet, hydration, and sleep to keep his voice in top shape. His vocalizing routine involves working on excerpts from his repertoire rather than traditional scales and exercises.
If Omar could offer advice to young aspiring singers, it would be to focus on singing well and reliably. He believes that, once you're out in the field, nobody cares where you went to school or what roles you played during your undergrad days. What truly matters is your ability to sing, act, and be a good colleague. Voices develop at their own pace, and it's important not to rush. Additionally, in today's opera world, versatility is the key to success. Omar encourages aspiring singers to learn different styles and be flexible in their artistic practice.
Omar doesn't believe in superstitions. Logic and reason are the guiding principles in his life.
When it comes to opera practices, Omar is a firm believer in trusting the professionals. Whether it's wigs, quick changes, or stage work, he's more than happy to let the experts handle it. Opera, in his view, is a complex machine that operates best when everyone plays their part, allowing the performers to focus on delivering their best on stage.
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