Rebecca O. asks, Rebecca S. answers
- amyhessmusic
- Mar 14
- 2 min read
An interview with our newest violist, Rebecca Swan
by Rebecca Oliverio
Photo credit: Joe Mazza
Tell us about the Rebecca outside of opera and viola life. What are your interests and hobbies? Any pets?
I have three teenagers (ages 19, 16, and 13) who keep me busy outside of work hours. I enjoy fitness (Orange Theory currently) and have completed 4 marathons. Other interests include baking (chocolate chip cookies are therapy for me), making sourdough bread, building things, and home improvement. I have a workshop full of tools, which is a happy place for me outside of the practice room. I also enjoy reading a variety of books, either snuggled up with my 9 lb. Cavapoo, Pepper or listening to audiobooks at double speed while on the go.
Did you start on violin or viola? Tell us about your origins with music.
I actually started on viola when I was 4 years old. Of course, it was a tiny violin with viola strings, but I consider myself a tried and true violist to the core.
You’ve been playing with us at Lyric for a while, first as a sub, and now as a member! How does it feel to be a full member?
Winning a full-time job at Lyric is a dream come true for me. Having subbed for a number of years, it’s nice coming in knowing everyone and having friends. But it does feel different as a member…I mean, now I get to sit in on orchestra meetings during the rehearsal breaks!
One thing in life you still would like to accomplish or do? We’re talking high on the bucket list.
I don’t know if this will ever happen, but I would like to run a half-marathon in every state.
A dream opera to play?
Seriously, whatever opera we’re currently doing. I love the process of listening to an opera for the first time, watching it several times to know the plot line, being fully immersed in whatever story world is going on. By the time we start rehearsing, I try to have the music internalized so I can focus on playing in sync with the section.
Verdi or Wagner?
My first experience subbing with Lyric was for The Ring Cycle rehearsals, being handed about 500 pages of music with 2 days to prepare. So I’d say at the moment Verdi induces less panic.
Mozart or Strauss?
Strauss. Playing Salome has been one of the more challenging viola parts of any opera, and I love it!
Rebecca often brings delicious cookies to work and they are usually gone by the rehearsal break or intermission. Your chocolate chip cookies are famous, so what’s the secret?? ;D
I bake them on a pizza stone so they stay super chewy!
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