CCM Opera Alumni Spotlight – Bronwen Forbay
This CCM Opera Alumni Spotlight will focus on soprano Bronwen Forbay. While at CCM Mrs. Forbay performed leading roles in Handel’s Ariodante and Mozart’s Don Giovanni.
Where are you living now?
I am currently living in Durban, South Africa, my hometown. I will be moving back to the US at the end of June 2011.
What projects do you have coming up?
Upcoming performances include my first Violetta in La Traviata with the Cape Town Opera, as well as the soprano soloist in a Mozart Requiem on tour in northern-Italy with my husband, American tenor soloist Randall Umstead (DMA).
What are some projects have you been working on in the past year?
I recently submitted my DMA document and will be graduating from CCM soon. In February 2011 I fulfilled my Fulbright two year home stay obligation and in December 2010 I completed a two year stint lecturing at my alma-mater, the University of Natal (now part of the University of KwaZulu-Natal) in Durban, South Africa. I also debuted in the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor with the Cape Town Opera which was highly successful. When I am awarded my DMA in voice performance, I will become the first South African woman (and second South African) to have ever obtained this qualification.
Do you have any fond memories of CCM?
I have many fond memories of CCM but two people who made a huge impact on my life stand out: one is my teacher and mentor, Kenneth Shaw, the other is my husband, Randall Umstead (DMA) who I met at CCM.
Can you talk about something of value you took with you when you left CCM?
Witnessing and experiencing first-hand how the incredibly high level of talent among the students is nurtured and developed to its fullest potential by dedicated and committed staff within a collegial environment. This is very precious and is something I will take with me wherever I go.
Is there anything else you wish to share?
CCM is an extraordinary institution. It changed my life and I am privileged to have been able to undertake my doctoral studies there.
