20 questions with Karen Parks

Karen Parks, a native of Greenville, S.C., received a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance from Furman University and a master of music degree in vocal performance (with a minor emphasis in vocal pedagogy) from the University of Texas at Austin. While pursuing a doctorate of musical arts degree in vocal performance and vocal pedagogy from the University of California, Santa Barbara, she was awarded a Fulbright scholarship. This enabled her to study exclusively with maestro Gabriele Pisani at the prestigious La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy. From there she was asked to join the San Francisco Opera, where she toured the role of Micaela in Bizet’s “Carmen.” Parks made her London debut at the Old Vic Theatre (London’s Broadway) as Cindy Lou (Micaela) in “Carmen Jones.” Her performance in this production was recorded on EMI at the famous Abbey Studios (where the Beatles recorded) and resulted in an Olivier Award nomination. She performed the role of Nedda in Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci” for three seasons in the castle at the Savonlinna Opera Festival in Savonlinna, Finland.

Parks has performed in major opera houses and concert halls across Europe including Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, England, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Denmark. Her performances in America include debuts at recognized concert halls including Carnegie Recital Hall, Alice Tully Hall, The Kennedy Center, Meyerson Hall, San Francisco Opera and the Boston Pops. Parks has recorded numerous CDs, with her latest, “Nobody Knows: The Songs of Harry T. Burleigh” winning the No. 2 spot on the Billboard chart (classical). She launched the album with a nationwide tour culminating in a performance at Carnegie Hall.

Parks is a renowned voice teacher and performs master classes worldwide. Her private voice studio, Ottimavoce Inc., has produced many successful clients performing on Broadway, in film and on TV. She is a graduate of Berea High School and the Fine Arts Center, where she has returned as a voice teacher in the department of music. Fans can see Parks perform right here in Greenville on March 8 at the Poinsett Club for the Music Club of Greenville’s gala event. You can read more about Karen Parks at www.karenparks.com.

 

 

 

1. Where were you born?                                                                                                        

Greenville, S.C.

2. What one thing really makes your day?

Any genuine act or demonstration of love, kindness or compassion

3. What is your favorite movie?

“To Sir with Love”

4. What is your pet peeve?

Any cruelty shown to children, the elderly or animals

5. What is your favorite thing about Greenville?

The beautiful campus of Furman University

6. What was your first car?

A Ford Mustang

7. What was your major in college?

Vocal performance

8. What book is on your nightstand?

“Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” by Lisa See and also “The Four Agreements” by Miguel Ruiz

9. What is your favorite gadget?

My navigation system and also my Blackberry

10. What is your idea of a dream vacation?

Maui Island, Hawaii – the spa at the Ritz Carlton

11. What is your most extravagant indulgence?

Cruising the Swedish archipelago on a beautiful yacht and taking the time to connect with nature and achieve true rauha (peace).

12. What store would you choose to max out your credit card?

Bergdorf Goodman

13. What is the “coolest” experience you’ve ever had?

Being a Fulbright scholar and studying at La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy, exclusively with maestro Pisani

14. What is one thing people would never guess about you?

People are always surprised to find out I’m a “foodie” with culinary skills. I like to experience fine dining and recreate the dish.

15. What is your hidden talent?

I have an affinity for languages and am often told I have no American accent. I sing in12 languages.

16. What advice would you give to a young person just starting out?

Remember the Golden Rule (always treat people the way you would like to be treated), learn the basics (a good foundation will always serve you), always have a Plan B, there is nothing greater than love.

17. What type of music do you most enjoy?

Jazz

18. Do you prefer the mountains or the beach?

My favorite city in the U.S. is Santa Barbara, Calif., because it has both!

19. Have you ever met a famous person? Who?

I have been very fortunate. To name a few: Muhammad Ali, Joan Collins, Liza Minnelli, Dick Clark, Jim Nabors, Luciano Pavarotti, Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman, Grace Bumbry, Wynton Marsalis and Princess Diana, who impressed me the most because of our conversation about her deep convictions and compassion for others and her unconditional love for her sons.

20. If you could invite five people, living or dead, to a dinner party, whom would you invite?

Marian Anderson, Mahatma Gandhi, John Lennon, Ella Fitzgerald and Harriet Tubman