Ryan Opera Center From Home: David Weigel

David Weigel is a second-year bass-baritone hailing from Asheville, North Carolina. He has performed with North Carolina Opera, Greensboro Opera, Piedmont Opera, Asheville Lyric Opera, Opera North, and the Brevard Music Center. He made his Lyric debut in the 2018/19 Season as The Voice of Neptune in Idomeneo. Since then, he has been seen as First Minister in Cendrillon, Dr. Grenvil in La traviata, First Prison Guard in Dead Man Walking, the Bonze in Madama Butterfly, and Sourin in The Queen of Spades.

Keep reading to see how David has continued to work from home during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

My shelter in place experience is a bit different than my other colleagues because I'm sheltering in my apartment with my 6-month pregnant wife, 6-year-old son, 12-year-old small dog, 9-month-old golden retriever puppy, and a cat. We are quite busy and don't have much free time to fill!

Our primary focus has been on establishing a schedule and homeschool routine for our son, who is in kindergarten. I also did what I could, by purchasing a pull-up bar and resistance bands and researching at home HIIT cardio routines, to create a home gym, because I was going a bit crazy not being able to exercise, which is so important for my physical and mental health.

Over the last week or so I've been able to start finding time to practice, as has my wife, who is a pianist and music teacher. I've mostly been working technique with Julia to get my voice back in shape (two weeks off and A LOT of outside stress can leave you frustratingly out of shape). And while it isn't ideal, we've found a way to make the video lessons work. With Craig, we have been exploring what I will be singing for our Beyond the Aria in May, which will most likely be live-streamed.

My wife and I have some ideas for some music videos, with some involvement of our son. We haven't had the time yet to prepare anything yet, but hopefully we'll be able to share more as our routine solidifies.

-David Weigel

Header photo: Todd Rosenberg