Kate Rogers

Soprano

Kate currently serves as Executive Director and President of Hometown Opera Company and is one of its founding members.

What events will you be participating in this HTOC Season? 

I will be singing and directing the Christmas concert, singing in Opera Scenes/Tempus Fugit, and helping to stage manage for Gianni Schicchi!

Where have you trained/what is your singing background?

I have sort of always sung.. ever since I could remember. I gravitated towards music as a young person.. it was a refuge for me during the awkward, searching teenage years, and it brought me a lot of joy to share my gift with others. I have studied with a handful of teachers over the years, notably Ken Hodgson at U of M, Morris and George Smith for several years in my late 20’s and 30’s.

What is one of your favorite roles you have performed and why?

I was lucky enough to play Sharon Graham, the second soprano student of Maria Callas in “Masterclass” at the Rep. I loved that role so much and resonated with the character on a deep level. Anyone who has studied singing seriously or has been in the ring competing for spots in a program or in an opera understands some of the pressures. It was also just a neat window into the life of “La Divina” one of the greatest singers that has ever lived!

What are some of your favorite arias, musical theatre ballads, or art songs to sing? 

Mi chiamano Mimi from La Bohème, Je dis que rien ne m’epouvante from Carmen, Chacun le sait from La fille du régiment, Vieni t’afretta from Macbeth, Children will listen from Into the Woods, and anything from Les Mis :)

What led you to become a singer? 

I found that I really enjoyed singing, people encouraged me to keep at it, and it came easily and naturally for me.

What is your dream role or show?

Princess Ilia from Idomeneo

What are you most excited for about the 2024-25 Hometown Opera Company season?

All of it! I think the production I’m most excited for is the New Media Opera Scenes/Tempus Fugit. I can’t wait to see how the technology brings some of this music to life!

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Would you share a shout-out to an influential person in your life and/or singing career?

I guess it’s hard to give one shout out. I feel like I am blessed to be surrounded by so many great people and friends. I am thankful to all of my opera buddies who help program and sing in these projects. 

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What else would you like people to know about you?

I lived in Waterloo, Belgium as a kid for three years! I was in elementary school. It was so cool to live in Europe.. I still practice my French to this day! I hope to go back to visit someday.