Episode 103: Masterclass - Ann McMahon Quintero

Studio Class

Praised for her evocative interpretations of oratorio and opera, Ann McMahon Quintero has filled the 2022/23 season with new works and old favorites. She joins Boston Baroque and Alabama Symphony for Messiah, Charleston Symphony for Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky Cantata, and performs in the world premiere of Ghosts with San Diego Opera in the role of Yadira.

Ms. Quintero was thrilled to join Santa Fe Opera in 2022 in one of her signature roles, Mistress Quickly in Falstaff. Also in the 2021/22 season, she portrayed the titular role in Lizbeth with Opera Orlando and Madame Flora in The Medium with Chelsea Opera, with whom she enjoyed a successful run as the inimitable Julia Child in Lee Hoiby’s_ Bon Appétit!_ in June, 2021.

Her previous work has included many enjoyable turns with Boston Baroque singing their annual Messiah as well as performances of Mozart’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9., M. Haydn’s Requiem in c minor, Cornelia in Giulio Cesare, Juditha in Juditha Triumphans, and Storgé in Jephtha.

Ms. Quintero also enjoys a rewarding relationship with the Defiant Requiem Foundation, performing their special presentation of the Verdi Requiem in Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín. She has performed the piece with Mo. Murry Sidlin over a dozen times throughout the U.S., sharing the story of Rafael Schächter and the brave artists of Terezín. In addition, she has also performed the piece Hours of Freedom: The Story of the Terezín Composer, a program of music composed at Terezín.

What she did over the pandemic:

Like everyone, the pandemic left Ann with a wealth of time, so she followed the crowd and turned to baking sourdough and learning to play the ukulele. She also earned her certification as a yoga instructor and did a deep dive into learning more about social justice. Ann also fostered a wonderful pit bull named Ella and will provide more photos than you need upon request.

My gratitude goes out to Hannah Boissonneault who edits our Masterclass episodes and to Juanitos and Scott Holmes for the music featured in this episode.

You can help support the creation of these episodes when you join the Sybaritic Camerata on Patreon. Get started at patreon.com/mezzoihnen.

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Megan Ihnen is a professional mezzo-soprano, teacher, writer, and arts entrepreneur who is passionate about helping other musicians and creative professionals live their best lives. Studio Class is an outgrowth of her popular #29DaystoDiva series from The Sybaritic Singer. Let your emerging professionals be part of the podcast! Invite Megan to your studio class for a taping of an episode. Your students ask questions and informative, fun conversation ensues.

Special Guest: Ann McMahon Quintero.