Postcard from Shawnette Sulker
This SFGC postcard features Soprano Shawnette Sulker, who will perform alongside SFGC's Premiere Ensemble in the titular piece in SFGC's concert Kamala's Hope on Friday, October 21st at SFJAZZ.
What do you find compelling about music by living composers?
The most compelling aspect for me is when the composer is actually in the room participating in the process pre-performance. This gives a world of insight into their creative journey and particular musical language. And often, there's the opportunity to collaboratively tweak things in the music so that it's a better fit for one's voice.
What was your way into Kamala’s Hope? How did you start learning it?
I was invited by the composer, Candace Forest, to sing her work. We premiered the version without chorus via livestream during the pandemic. There was loads of time to learn it as not much was going on in the musical universe at that time. But generally speaking, I learn simply by going through the piece in sections and then repeating those sections. Then I sew the sections together. In the case of new music as no recordings exist, the composer will usually provide a piano or midi track so that you can get a feel for the piece.
What advice can you give to our singers, that you wish you had gotten when you were their age?
Learn an instrument if possible. Also, cultivate your musical interests but also any other subjects that you’re drawn to. It will only enhance your life and career possibilities.
What has been the happiest accident of your career so far?
The most fundamental accident for me was finding classical music to begin with! I didn't grow up with the genre and knew close to nothing about it. Nor did I have access to music lessons as a kid. But I always loved music and singing. It wasn't until college that I had my first voice lesson. My teacher, who was a classically trained soprano, just started assigning me different arias to learn. So, I accidentally fell into classical music and haven't looked back since!
What is your favorite thing about singing professionally? Least favorite?
The things I love most about singing is telling a story through music. And, especially in opera, you get to put music, acting, text, costumes, lights, together to create living theater. I love the collaborative and communicative aspects of working with other creatives towards the same goal, which usually is the sharing of our vision with the audience.
Things I don't fancy as much are how much thought and physical energy I have to put into keeping my voice healthy. Because as singers we never get to put our instruments aside, we have to think about how we're using not just our singing but speaking voices constantly. I also don't love the contract worker aspect of the business. Sometimes you're super busy with gigs and at other times, there're significant lulls.
Are there any composers whose music you feel especially connected to?
Usually, whatever project I'm working on is my favorite thing/composer in that moment. I love many composers of varying styles but singing-wise, much of the Mozart operatic rep seems to fit my voice amazingly well, along with Richard Strauss.
What is your daily practice routine?
It's pretty simple. I warm up with a scale and then practice for an hour, maybe an hour and a half, on whatever I'm working on.
What inspires you about working with SFGC?
While I've heard the SFGC many times, this will be my first time working with the group. I'm excited to see these young ladies exercising their craft and carrying on our rich musical traditions into the future.
What are you excited to work on in the future? Give us a sneak peek!
I'll be singing in a workshop of Jake Heggie's brand new opera which tells the story of an African-American spy during the Civil War named Mary Jane Bowser. I'm excited to be stepping into her shoes and helping in a small way to bring her story to light.
Which singers/artists do you find yourself learning the most from?
I'm most drawn in by performers who are very connected musically and dramatically to the story they are telling. When you find that combination of a great voice, wonderful dramatic skills, stagecraft, and fully realized intentionality, it's magic.