“West Newton Pops” Q&A Natalie Levinson
Q&A With Vocalist Natalie Levinson
In anticipation of Cherry Street Music’s next Classical with a Twist concert, “West Newton Pops” on November 17th, we posed a few questions to the artists in the program to get to know them a bit better. Here’s what vocalist Natalie Levinson had to say:
Q: What keeps you busy professionally?
A: At the moment, I am keeping myself busy as a professional stay-at-home mom to my 3-month old daughter!
Q: If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A: I am primarily bi-coastal, so if a friend were visiting me in my hometown of Newton, I would take them to George Howell in Newtonville for the best coffee in town, then go for a hike in Western Mass. If they were visiting Los Angeles, CA, I would suggest a beach day in Santa Monica or Malibu, followed by soup dumplings at Mama Lu’s Dumpling House or a double-double “Animal Style” at In-N-Out Burger.
Q: We’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking in your art.
A: As a vocalist, risk-taking is intrinsic. It is incredibly vulnerable to stand empty-handed in front of an audience, open your mouth wide, and share your unique voice. As terrifying as singing can be, even the smallest bit of fear or hesitation quickly becomes obvious as any subtle changes in body tension can cause strain. Since risk and fear will always be present in some way, we have to continuously work on solidifying the physical mechanisms of good singing and figure out how to relax in any situation. In performance, I try to take my time and be present with each phrase, and remind myself that it is safe to let go and just sing.
Q: Who deserves some credit and recognition?
A: Artistically, I owe so much to my teachers, Jennifer Caraluzzi and Christine Li, as well as my choir director at Pasadena City College, Rodger Guerrero, and opera director Dr. Anthony Moreno. My parents, for always encouraging and supporting me in the waves of life and in following my dreams. The extraordinary Allison Eldredge and Adrienne Hartzell-Knudsen deserve accolades for the immense amount of work and creativity that goes into creating these “Classical with a Twist” programs! These two powerful women are so inspiring. Thank you for broadening our musical minds, uplifting young artists, and bringing positivity and beauty to our community.
One of the features of my playing that I am most proud of is the ability to adapt my style and sound depending on the situation while maintaining my personality on the instrument. I love serving the music and making everyone comfortable to play with me.
Today I feel very lucky to work with my art in front of audiences at festivals and jazz clubs with wonderful people who share my same passion and desire to grow.
For more information about each artist and about upcoming Cherry Street Music concerts, go HERE.
To purchase tickets to “West Newton Pops”, go HERE.