This issue’s American Eye enjoys the effervescent company of American in Britain, Paula Sides, lyric soprano and leading light of the English Touring Opera.
We understand you were born and raised in Tennessee. What brought you to Britain and what made you stay?
I had a very traditional Southern upbringing. After finishing my first degree at the Schwob School of Music in Georgia, I had a choice of moving up north to the Yankee states or going abroad. I chose the bigger, further adventure, to spread my wings by moving abroad. At first I knew no-one in England, but I quickly found that I loved it here and decided to stay. I studied at London’s Royal College of Music on the opera course, where I received the Tagore Gold Medal as well as meeting my future husband, Jonathan. He was in the audience at a student concert and I was singing on stage! It was instant, love at first sight for both of us.
You’re set to sing the lead role of Mimi in La Boheme in the new ETO touring production. What are you most looking forward to?
I have always loved singing this piece. When I was starting out in opera, aged 21 and touring with a small company, Mimi was my first major role. Now I have the chance to rediscover afresh a role that I did when I was so young. I am incredibly excited to be performing a show that I love with a company, orchestra and director, James Conway, who I absolutely adore working with. It’s a marriage made in heaven. Tell us about some of the inspirations along the way in your career. Well, first there’s my amazing, dynamic voice teacher, Llyndall Trotman. She’s a live life-to-the-fullest, make-every-moment-count sort of person who shook me out of my fairly restrictive Southern upbringing, inspired me and empowered me to grab life with both hands. Then, at the Royal College of Music I was encouraged by everyone and inspired by the whole experience of being immersed in that very special musical world and atmosphere.
What do you most enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I love spending time with my husband and one year old daughter, Aurelia Ruth, in the beautiful Yorkshire village cottage where we live, just relaxing or walking on the moors.
What essential things would you advise Americans in Britain to be sure not to miss?
I would advise Americans here to see as much of the country as possible, it’s all so varied and different. They should try climbing mountains in Wales and the Lake District, see the coast in Cornwall, explore Scotland’s islands, visit Yorkshire for the moors and the Bronte connections. London’s concert halls and theatres are great, but I also recommend visiting all the local UK venues where the ETO is performing. My favourites are the beautiful Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton and Buxton Opera House.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
For me at this stage with a baby it’s a guilty pleasure just to go to dinner with my husband and stay out past 9.30! One of our favourite places is the White Lion in Hebden Bridge. I really like going to the pub, which may seem funny as I don’t drink beer at all! But the whole experience is great. So many pubs in the UK and Ireland have wonderful traditions of music and folk singing. I’m reminded of all those Southern USA connections, which makes me feel right at home.
Are there any American comforts you really miss?
Yes! Peanut butter and real grape jelly, soft drinks with lots of ice and fresh popcorn with hot butter.
Can you think of a moment that changed your life?
That moment would be the first time I sang “O Mio Babbino Caro” from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. It was the first aria I ever sang, aged 19. That feeling of being on stage and opening up your soul for a minute, performing, giving something to the audience, was both terrifying and exciting. I felt every emotion you could imagine. And I was completely addicted. 'American in Britain' magazine is always keen to promote cross-country relations– please share with us your fantasy British- American dinner party. This would be a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with lots of Southern hospitality. I’d pack the table with all the people I love– a mixture of British and American friends we’ve been so lucky to meet in our life here. I’d cook lots of food, including at least five desserts and every pie known to man. And copious amounts of champagne. At about 3 in the morning, when we’ve had plenty of food and champagne, we’d finish off with a great musical jam session.
Don’t miss Paula starring in English Touring Opera’s productions of La Boheme and the Siege of Calais at Warwick Arts Centre, Buxton Opera House, Cambridge Arts Theatre and other great venues around the UK this spring and summer. Further information at englishtouringopera.org.uk