UAO Profile: Alexandra LoBianco

Soprano Alexandra LoBianco has made two debuts in Union Avenue Opera's Il Trovatore. Not only did she make a role debut as the noblewoman Leonora, but this has also been her debut as a soprano.

Her portrayal has earned high praise from Sarah Bryan Miller of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

"There’s no reason to do [Il Trovatore] without the right singers, and the Leonora of soprano Alexandra LoBianco definitely qualified. . . . LoBianco exhibited a true Verdian voice of velvet-covered steel, effortlessly tossing off trills and roulades. She really developed as a character, too, blazing through the second half."

Steve Callahan of KDHX commented:

"[I]t is soprano Alexandra LoBianco who runs triumphantly away with the evening’s laurels in the role of Leonora. Hers is a remarkably strong, clear, pure and open voice that rises easily to all of Verdi’s challenges. Hers is the voice that soars out over and above all the other fine voices in the cast. And as the story proceeds Ms. LoBianco shows all the flashing-eyed passion appropriate to the role."

In a recent interview with West End Word, LoBianco shares her insights on portraying such a classic role:

"There is tradition and convention to opera, so I listen to a lot of old recordings," LoBianco said. "You listen to those things and you hear what they are doing, you pick and choose what you want to do with the character. You can't imitate, you must make them your own. That is the true artistry in opera, being able to create and build beyond what is on the page.

For the full West End Word story, click here.

Il Trovatore runs for two more performances this weekend: July 17 & 18. All performances begin at 8pm; Venue: Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 N. Union Blvd, St. Louis. Tickets can be purchased by calling 314.361.2881 or by visiting http://www.unionavenueopera.org/