"Be Kind to Yourself. You're Worth It." - Chatting with Tenor Jonathan R. Tuzo

It is my greatest joy to introduce you to Jonathan R. Tuzo! Jonathan is a tenor based out of NYC. Jonathan has performed at The Metropolitan Opera in Der Fliegende Holländer, Götterdämmerung, and Porgy and Bess. He has also performed with The Glimmerglass Opera, Opera Memphis, Union Avenue Opera, Lake George Opera, Central City Opera, Tulsa Opera, and Amato Opera. He is a member of AEA & AGMA.

Jonathan is truly a joy to be around both on and off the stage. With a beautiful voice and attitude, the artistic process is always going to be rewarding if Jonathan is a part of your cast. I am so honored to have the privilege to interview him!

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be an Opera Singer?

I began taking voice lessons as a hobby while pursuing my bachelor's degree. However, it quickly became a passion, and I realized that I wanted to try and pursue it as a professional path. So, I would say around twenty-one years old.

Are there any teachers or mentors in your life who truly helped you become the fantastic artist you are today?

I have been extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with a number of teachers and mentors who have supported my growth, but I would be remiss if I didn't take this moment to express my gratitude for three people who have inspired me and continue to inspire me. I would like to thank Wayne Sanders, Neil Rosenshein, and Catherine Malfitano. Wayne Sanders is the founder and music director of Opera Ebony. Wayne actually offered me my very first paid opportunity as a young singer. Wayne really started me on the journey of believing in myself and realizing that I had value. I started to see that I was part of something much larger than myself. I am actually a shy person, and Wayne welcomed me and encouraged me. That gift was, and still is, invaluable especially as an artist of color. Neil Rosenshein was my teacher during my time at the Manhattan School of Music. Neil served almost as a musical parent to me. Neil taught me many things. He continually demonstrated that to become a great artist, you must first strive towards being a great human being. I'll never forget when he told me, "Success is gaining the respect of the people that you respect." That lesson has stayed with me.

I have also studied privately with Catherine Malfitano. Recently, we have been able to resume working again via Zoom. Catherine is an extraordinary artist, a force of nature, and a beautiful spiritual being. Her generosity and passion continue to teach me the importance of staying curious. Our work is never done. It's all about the journey, not the destination. It is a privilege to be able to do this work. I am truly grateful.

We are living in some unprecedented times in the world but are very fortunate right now to see a light at the end of the tunnel. For all artists (especially performers) it has definitely been a time of uncertainty. What has your everyday routine been like during Quarantine and what are some things you do to keep your spirits up?

We are all definitely living through an extremely challenging time for our world and especially for our performing arts community. I hope that, in time, one of the many lessons to come out of these difficulties is the importance of kindness. In terms of my personal routine, I am extremely grateful to still have a day job that I have been able to maintain remotely for now. As a result, my days are pretty structured. I get up, pray, and express gratitude. Then, I work, and I always make time to practice in the evenings. The music keeps me going and gives me hope. We will reunite and make music together again. It's one day at a time.

Are there any operas or performances that you have done in your career that will always stick out and be near and dear to your heart?

Yes, (it is also how we met). The recent production of The Gershwin's' "Porgy and Bess" at the Metropolitan Opera will always stand out in my performance history. It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of such an extraordinary ensemble of artists. We are our ancestors' wildest dreams. I believe that we all felt the enormity of that moment and it was beautiful to witness how we were able to lift each other up and celebrate the achievement collectively.

What advice would you give any young aspiring artists during these times?

Be kind to yourself. You're worth it.

Check out Jonathan performing "The Man That Got Away"