John McVeigh Q&A

Tenor

McVeigh2

Cincinnati Opera Debut
Arturo (Arthur)
Lucia di Lammermoor (Lucie de Lammermoor)

How many times have you previously performed the role?
This will be my first time!

What is your hometown?
Manchester, Connecticut.

Where do you currently reside?
Portland, Maine.

What are your community affiliations?
Maine Crafts Association (Jewelry Designer).

What is your favorite opera and why?
There are too many to narrow down.

What is a favorite role you have sung and why?
Will Tweedy in Cold Sassy Tree. By C. Floyd, the role was written for me and it is dramatically and vocally the most complex and character-rich.

Where did you make your professional debut?
Houston Grand Opera as Tybalt in Romeo et Juliette.

Do you have professional recordings or DVDs?
Yes, Cold Sassy Tree by Floyd, Handel's Partenope and Doherty's Jackie O.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you during your career?
There are too many to recount! Put on a costume, add sets and lights, music and words, and that opens the door for a comedy routine!

Are there other jobs you have had in addition to singing?
Contract Administrator for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and a Wall Street Executive Secretary.

If you weren't an opera singer, what would be your dream job?
Television host of a design show.

Do you sing other styles of music besides opera?
Broadway, pop and numerous orchestral jobs.

What are your hobbies?
Skiing, rollerblading and renovating houses.

What is your greatest achievement?
Remaining somewhat sane in a crazy profession—wonderful—but crazy!

What is something few people know about you?
I am a Silver/Goldsmith. My work is shown in a gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Lewallencontemporary.com. And I do commission work.