Jadd Davis Interview
Jadd Davis Interview
Q : What do you find most excites you while working in a co-production with the Spokane Symphony ?
Jadd Davis : I love it when organizations collaborate . They ’ re able to view their goal through different lenses and bring the opportunity for a new influx of ideas . The sum of our collaboration allows us to bring an extraordinary experience to our opera audience . Eckart is a brilliant musical mind , but also quite savvy to the theatre of opera . With my background being so theatrical , I find it awesome to be able to connect with someone whose expertise helps strengthen mine . Additionally , as I get older , I really only want to work with people who are kind and enjoyable to be around . The culture both at Opera CDA and what I ’ ve experienced working with Eckart has been inclusive and kind , while fighting for the best possible artistic goals . I think this will be a super collaboration .
Q : I understand Carmen is a timeless opera for the novice opera audience ?
Jadd Davis : Carmen is a masterpiece on a number of levels . For the sophisticate , Bizet ’ s use of thematic music and character development is virtually unsurpassed in the art form . For the novice , it ’ s a damn good story with memorable tunes — there ’ s sex — there ’ s violence — there ’ s some good comedy . There ’ s really everything that makes a story tick and it ’ s handled in such a fashion that it checks all the boxes for the opera buff as well .
Jadd Davis Director of Carmen for Opera Coeur d ’ Alene
Q : What advice do you offer to those new to opera , who plan to attend ?
Jadd Davis : I would offer the same advice for new attendees as well as buffs : come with an open heart and an open mind . Opera , at its peak , is the most sensational theatre around . The less we expect the more we are able to be carried away .
Q : Are there any moments in Carmen , created by Bizet , that the audience should be watching for ?
Jadd Davis : Listen to the music that accompanies each character . Don José has dense , often brooding themes associated with his character . Carmen ’ s themes are sensual and mellifluous . Escamillo ’ s are triumphant and masculine . This is part of the way we get to know these characters . Also listen for how these themes are adapted and molded throughout the opera to achieve different effect .
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