Q&A with Laura Wilde

Q&A With Laura Wilde

INDIANA DAILY STUDENT Who are your influences?

WILDE Recently, classical singers. Also, Audra McDonald is such an expressive performer. A lot of indie bands. I definitely respect a lot of other artists.

IDS What’s on your iPod?

WILDE I have a huge range. I’m trying to continue building my opera collection because I got into it so late. I love indie artists like Regina Spektor and Ingrid Michaelson.

I have rock bands, music for different moods, classical orchestral works. It’s kind of all over.

I keep a variety. I randomly get interested in something, listen to it constantly, then move on to the next thing. I think variety is healthy.

IDS Living or dead, who would you most like to perform with?

WILDE I would love to see Maria Callas. Frederica von Stade is one of my favorites. Renée Fleming. For males I would say Bryn Terfel.

IDS What aria would you suggest to a first-time opera listener?

WILDE Susannah, by Carlisle Floyd. It’s in English. It is really brilliant. It has relevance to today, something that could really resonate with modern people. It’s important that people start with more accessible operas.

I think a hatred develops when people go to operas that are really long and slow and only can be appreciated with education and time.

It’s important to start with something really accessible and generally enjoyable.

IDS Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

WILDE After one more year at IU, I hope to get into some young artists program. The next general step is to spend time at a young artists program. I want to stay in the U.S. at least a little bit. After that, hopefully be able to work enough at different opera companies to pay rent!