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Tiffany Townsend: Bringing the Joy of Jubilee to Seattle Opera

In a recent episode of The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday and welcomed, Tiffany Townsend, a soprano with a diverse musical background, is making her mark on the Seattle Opera stage. In a recent interview, Townsend shared her journey from pianist to opera singer, emphasizing the power of live performance and audience connection.

Townsend's path to opera was unconventional, starting with classical piano training at the age of seven. Her vocal talent was discovered by a voice teacher who overheard her practicing gospel music, leading her to explore opera and eventually pursue a career in the field.

Reflecting on her experiences in various opera houses across the country, Townsend expressed her excitement about Seattle Opera's commitment to diversifying the stage and presenting works that resonate with a wider audience.

"Seattle Opera is not just one of those companies that are doing, like putting out the sameness," Townsend explained. "They're actually doing the work."

One such production is the world premiere of "Jubilee," an opera that tells the story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a group of students from Fisk University who toured the world shortly after the Civil War, spreading their music and raising funds for their school.

Townsend, who is part of the cast, shared her enthusiasm for the production: "It's a good story that I think all of us should understand and know, because it's a part of our history."

"Jubilee" features 40 spirituals, arranged for a full ensemble, offering a unique and powerful musical experience. Townsend highlighted the relatability of the opera, saying, "It's a good story that I think all of us should understand and know, because it's a part of our history."

As a Seattle Opera resident artist, Townsend is excited to continue her journey with the company and looks forward to sharing her talent with audiences in future productions.

Don't miss the opportunity to witness the world premiere of "Jubilee" and experience the joy and power of opera. Get your tickets now at seattleopera.org.

To see more guests like Townsend, tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.