5 Questions with Porgy and Bess at The Metropolitan Opera’s Aaron Reeder
Kevin Ray Johnson
It is a great pleasure of mine to introduce you to Aaron Reeder. Aaron is performing in the chorus of Porgy and Bess at The Metropolitan Opera. I met Aaron over ten years ago when we were performing in Maryland together for The Maryland Opera Society. Aaron truly has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever come across. Aaron has an extensive resume that many dream of. Some of the places Mr. Reeder has performed includes: Avery Fisher Hall Lincoln Center, New York City, Liceu Studio at the Teatre Grec, Barcelona, Spain and Spoleto; Productions with Washington National Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Signature Theatre as well as engagements with the John F. Kennedy Center, Ford’s Theater, Harlem Stage, Playwright’s Horizons and Studio Theatre. I am very thankful to have had the chance to interview Aaron!
How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a Singer?
I am the youngest of four and we all play instruments and sing. At about age 8 I came to the realization that my sister would always be four years more advanced than I at the piano so, I quit and started taking voice lessons to be a versatile backup singer for Mariah Carey or Luther Vandross. It wasn't really until college that I realized how much I loved singing and wanted to figure out how to get into the biz AND be successful.
Where did you study? Are there any mentors that truly helped make you the performer you are today?
Texas A&M and Howard University. My degrees are in International Business and Marketing.
My mentors are folks mainly outside of the profession because they help me stay focused on exploring, asking questions and not being broken down by the "no's" and hard-times.
Porgy and Bess is one of the greatest shows ever written. How has your time been in this amazing production at The Metropolitan Opera?
Historic. This time at The Metropolitan Opera has been such a momentous experience! The company has been welcoming and gracious. Being here has been an opportunity to express thanks and practice gratitude. I wasn't going to accept the invitation to the live audition and even contemplated declining the offer. This experience is for my benefit, and grace flowing with hopeful overflow to others I come into contact with.
Are there any operas, musicals, roles, etc. that you have done in your career that will always be near and dear to your heart?
I think Stew's PASSING STRANGE is the first work that comes to mind in answering this question. The piece is, THE role of 'Youth' is rooted in my heart because is it so close to my own story. I am currently living in Berlin, Germany. LOL Having the opportunity to explore the character and myself was such a difficult and thrilling time.
Actually, my first production of P&B was moving. It was Washington National's 50th Anniversary Season and if I remember correctly, the company's first time mounting the production. Stepping into the first music rehearsal, being one of the youngest hired and hearing the rapturous sound from about 40 (black) people! A wonderful community was created in the rehearsal room. The lives we lived onstage were true, the tears that fell were real and the joy and laughter filled us.
What advice would you give young artist who want a career in the performing arts?
The performing arts are merely a reflection of life-- Be honest with yourself. Maintain your integrity. Cultivate your creative capital i.e. diversify; don't be boxed in. Travel. Always keep learning and growing (in your professional and personal life). Have discussions with people who might not immediately have your exact perspective on life and living. Be open to discovery.
To learn more about Aaron make sure you visit his official website at www.aaron-reeder.com and for more information on Porgy and Bess at The Metropolitan Opera make sure you visit – www.metopera.org