Italian-American mezzo-soprano Ginger Costa-Jackson is a graduate of the Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development Program and a Samling Scholar. Her roles with the Met include Smaradgi in Zadonai's Francesca da Rimini, Mercédès in Bizet's Carmen, Lola in Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana, Myrtale in Massenet's Thaïs, Rosette in Massenet's Manon, Eine Theatergarderobiere/Der Gymnasiast/Ein Groom in Berg's Lulu, and Wowkle in Puccini's La Fanciulla del West. Additionally, she covered Cherubino in Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro, Smeton in Donizetti's Anna Bolena, and Ascagne in Berlioz's Le Troyens. Ms. Costa-Jackson sang the title role of Carmen and La Marchesa di Poggio in Verdi's King for a Day with Glimmerglass Opera. Her European debut was as Lola (Cavalleria Rusticana) with Barcelona's Gran Teatre del Liceu. Additionally, she sang Nancy T'ang in Adam's Nixon in China with the San Francisco Opera.
Had the privilege of seeing her portray Carmen at Vancouver Opera last week - she is the BEST Carmen ever!! And she was so kind to my son in the chorus, giving him tips - class act!! Brava 👏🏻
Ginger Costa-Jackson and Carmen Monarcha tie in 1st place as the best Carmens. I'm a introvert guy myself, so I turn into Don Jose while they sing, and make those seductive faces. Then Anna Caterina Antonacci in 2nd place. Angela Gheorghiu for 3rd place.
HOLY COW! THIS IS INCREDIBLE! I'm only slightly disappointed that your director had you running all over during your final coloratura because it took away from being able to take in your voice straight-on. That being said, that much movement probably felt so freeing instead of standing in place. Brava!
There's always something almost freakish about seeing something like that inserted into ordinary life. Someone doing that up on a stage is one thing, but if someone standing beside you turns to you and that sound comes out of them, so easily and naturally and perfectly ... it seems like it's not quite real.
