Limelight: Kaitlyn Johnson

By Sonia Pothraj     8/31/11 7:00pm

Opera is one of the most under-recognized art forms in the young adult world. Whereas Lady Gaga and Kanye West have become common names in every college student's musical lexicon, operas like "Carmen" and "Pirates of Penzance" are significantly less well-known.

With this lack of understanding comes a great deal of misconceptions about the art form. Marie Chatfield, a Wiess College freshman in FSEM: 180, Staging History – Europe and Opera, relayed some of her preconceived notions.

"Prior to entering the class, I knew that opera wasn't going to be about the fat woman on stage singing, but I thought it would be pretty formal," Chatfield said. "But, we just watched our first opera on Sunday and it wasn't anything like I expected."

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In the past few decades, opera has become more applicable to modern audiences and the form has become more accessible to younger generations. More and more teens are dipping their feet in this musical genre.

Nestled away in Hanszen old section is one such example: Kaitlyn Johnson, a freshman at Shepherd School of Music and a budding opera singer. However, it has taken years of trial and error for her to reach this point.

Johnson's origins in music were humble. Yet, from singing along to country songs on the radio, she has indeed come a long way. It was the beginning of vocal training and the insistence of her voice coach that formed the origins of her opera career.

"They say if you can sing opera, you can sing anything," Johnson said.

Since first starting her career in opera, Johnson's vocal spectrum has expanded and she has improved her performance in other musical styles. The diversity of her vocal repertoire, coupled with immense talent, caught the eye of the Director of Music Admissions at the Shepherd School of Music, ?Geoffrey Scott.

"Kaitlyn has a beautiful voice and in her audition demonstrated a mature and seasoned understanding of the text and the music — an all around great musician," ?Scott said.

Johnson believes that her abilities in opera will flourish at Rice, particularly because of the university's environment and educators. Because Rice places emphasis on students becoming well-rounded and "valuing both intelligence and talent," she has found a place that meets her needs as a musician and academic.

Likewise, she believes that vocal instructor, Stephen King, will be instrumental in her success.

"To have the experience to work with him as an 18-year-old is very special, particularly because he is such a renowned professional and teacher," Johnson said.

Rice's location also feeds Johnson's talent. Its proximity to the Houston Grand Opera and other artistic groups makes for an excellent learning environment.

"Being in the fourth largest city in the country, with many of the country's premier performing arts organizations, provides our students with an opportunity to observe some of the world's greatest performers," Scott said. "Part of a young musicians training is having the ability to not only practice and perform, but to observe. So accessibility to the ballet, symphony, museums and theater can really help support a student's performance."

Ultimately, Johnson's goal is to become an internationally renowned opera singer. Though she plans on working hard and bettering her talent, Johnson said, at Rice "it's nice to still be able to take a break and ?live life."

Sonia Pothraj is a Hanzsen College freshman. Limelight  is a column that features student artists and their current projects.

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