Today’s Locals to Know feature is sponsored by Pittsburgh Opera. Visit PittsburghOpera.org to purchase tickets to see “Carmen” beginning March 26th.
Hi Danielle! What’s your favorite Pittsburgh memory?Â
So many! One is being asked to try to produce the offstage scream for act II of “Carmen” in the 2009–2010 season when I was covering (learning) the role of MicaĂ«la. It turns out I’m very good at screaming on cue!
Tell us about your work—your job and/or any volunteer work.
First and foremost, I am an opera singer! I am also a landlord/contractor/property manager/plumber/electrician… I am a true DIY Diva! I can sing a production and also help build the sets if need be.
Pick a favorite local outdoor experience. What is it? What’re we doing? Who’s going with ya?Â
Kennywood! We are riding The Phantom’s Revenge and The Steel Curtain. My mother is coming with me and anyone else who thinks that they might be able to keep up with the two of us!
What’s your favorite local social media account and why? Â
I’m a fan of The Original YinzersintheDesert, which is a collaboration between Pittsburgh natives Allan Periello, a pianist, and another Pittsburgh Opera favorite, soprano Alex Loutsion!
If you could eat only one meal from a local restaurant for the rest of your life, what would it be?Â
There are so many GREAT restaurants in Pittsburgh, but the sushi at Penn Ave Fish Market in the Strip District is ON POINT!
What’s a project you’re working on (big or small) and how can our readers help you with it? Â
I’m currently working on preparing the role of MicaĂ«la for Pittsburgh Opera’s upcoming production of “Carmen“! I learned the role (and, of course, the offstage scream) with Pittsburgh Opera as a cover for MicaĂ«la and have sung the role many times since, but it’s very exciting to bring the role back to my home company and be back on the stage at the Benedum!
What are you looking forward to this year?
Getting back on stage and SINGING! 🎶