Lucy Baker (Opera '23) on the Latest Episode of WHYY's "On Stage at Curtis"
The prize-winning mezzo-soprano recalls the teachers and mentors who nurtured her talents and shaped her musical journey
“There are so many great singers out there that we all look up to, but I actually find that sometimes, the most fulfilling performances I have are those with my friends and my colleagues. The people that I’d love to collaborate with are the people I’m collaborating with now. I can’t wait to see where they go in their careers, and I hope one day to be on the Met stage with my best friends.” —Lucy Baker
Season 18 of WHYY’s acclaimed On Stage at Curtis series continues with a portrait of recent Curtis alumna, mezzo-soprano Lucy Baker (Opera ’23). The prize-winning singer from Wilmington, North Carolina entered Curtis in 2021 and studied with adjunct faculty member Julia Faulkner, performing the knightly title role in George Frideric Handel’s Ariodante, Dorabella (Così fan tutte), the Hostess (Triple-Sec), and covered Emilie and Marquise de Merteuil (The Dangerous Liaisons) with Curtis Opera Theatre while she attended the school.
Ms. Baker’s musical journey began at age seven when she took her first piano and voice lessons. From folk songs to Italian, French, and German art songs, she spent her formative years becoming a solid musician, learning to read music, memorizing songs, and focusing on languages. It wasn’t until high school and college that she began to solidify her vocal technique, seriously pursuing a career as an opera singer. While working towards her Bachelor of Music degree at DePaul University, she studied with alumna Amanda Majeski (Opera ’09), whose current teacher, Julia Faulkner, teaches at Curtis. From there, the most logical course was to continue honing her craft in Philadelphia.
Click HERE to watch the On Stage at Curtis episode, or click the video below.
Performances in the episode include clips from Ariodante, Così fan tutte, and various recitals during Ms. Baker’s time here at Curtis.
In the episode, she notes that sometimes young singers feel boxed in by centuries of tradition in classical music but expresses her excitement to see all the contemporary classical works written today—compositions that leave room for personal interpretation. She expresses gratitude for her time at Curtis, the invaluable opportunities she received on stage and in the classroom, and the gift of entering her profession free of education debt.
Photo credits: 1.) Courtesy of Nichole MCH Photography. 2.) Portrait of Lucy Baker by Belinda Keller. 3.) Performance image of Ms. Baker as Ariodante, by Ashley E. Smith/Wide Eyed Studios.