Utah Valley University Opera
Sep 19, 2020
"I met Linnea Miner Mott a few years ago while teaching at UVU (Utah Valley University). I immediately understood that this singer had enormous artistic potential. I have been able, over the years, to notice her great academic and musical development.
In this regard, I'd like to recall her interpretation of Cecilia, in my Opera: “The Importance of Being Earnest”. Her role, the coloratura soprano, is very difficult because of the vocal texture and the characterization of her character. I was really happy to see Linnea play this character perfectly. Indeed, I would say more, she had really become Cecilia. This is a very rare talent indeed. What more to say about this sweet lady? She has a really lovely kindness and character, a very humble woman but a true leader on stage."
- Maestro Nicolas Giusti
It was a pleasure to perform as "Cecilia" (Cecily) in Maestro Nicolas Giusti's U.S. premier of the opera, "L'importanza di esere Onesto" (The Importance of Being Earnest). Hidden themes from many operas were embedded within the arias and interludes. Private coachings with the Maestro brought these themes to my attentian and helped me understand the complex, semi a-tonal but gorgeous nature of the opera. Masks were worn and social distancing posed a unique set of challenges when staging love scenes. One of my favorite moments was when Daniel Pérez (who played Cecily's love interest, Algernon) and I sang our socially distanced love song. He reached his hand out to take mine, but pulled back to quickly apply hand sanitizer, then passionately took my hand from an arm's reach away. That was definitely one of the biggest laughs of the evening.
