Speight Jenkins Celebration Concert

The first time I met Speight Jenkins was in 1991. I had just auditioned for his opera company, and we sat together for a few minutes to discuss my audition. Speight could not have been more supportive. He was honest, insightful and productive. He genuinely cared about me as a young artist, placing significance on which roles I should sing and when I should sing them. I have gone on to premiere all of my major Verdi roles in Seattle and expanded my repertoire to include roles in the Wagner Fach there first.

Speight Jenkins has had a great impact on the arc of my professional career, and this gentleman from Texas has done lots to promote, support and develop our art form in the US and beyond. He has made operatic history. It is truly the end of a spectacular era, and I am very proud to share this moment with my dear friend.