Giovanni Spanu is a MYOpera alumnus twice over! He was in our 2012 production of L’Elisir d’Amore as the zany Dr Dulcamara and in the Triple Bill in 2013 as the title role in Le magicien. Giovanni combined his beautiful baritone and talents of comedic timing paired with his prodigious ability to grow facial hair ensured the hilarity in MYOpera shows (see question #3!).
Giovanni Spanu and Conrad Siebert in L’Elisir d’Amore (2012)
- Where are you from? Toronto, Ontario
- Where do you currently live? Toronto, Ontario
- What’s your favourite MYOpera memory? L’elisir d’amore production in 2012, walking around the city for 5 days the week of the performances looking like a character straight out of the movie Gangs of New York – I’ve never been served so quickly at a bank.
- What role has MYOpera played in your career/life? MYOpera gave me the opportunity to perform not only as an opera singer, but also as an actor honing his craft. In my experience, MYOpera values professionalism, the artist as a unique individual, and hard work. That was incredibly encouraging for me. I have very much enjoyed being part of this company, and look forward to its bright artistic future.
- What have you been doing since MYOpera? Since MYOpera I have continued to perform as a freelance artist and musician. I teach music, perform and work at other jobs.
- What’s your favourite opera (to watch/listen to)? Il signor Bruschino, Gioachino Rossini
- What’s your guilty pleasure song (any genre)? Fight Fire with Fire – Metallica
- Traveling is always an adventure! What’s your favourite/most memorable travel experience? Getting locked out of our apartment in Vienna because apparently, keys are only used to unlock doors, not to lock them. So make sure you have one on you when everyone steps out into the hall!
- Do you have a signature dish/meal that you make? Tell us about it! I like to make Mujaddara, a Middle Eastern dish consisting of caramelized onions, lentils, rice and spiced yoghurt. Anything with onion is at the top of my list, but this is a relatively simple dish to make, and looks impressive!
- Singers/Artists are busy people! What’s your favourite snack when you’re on the go? Pizza, pizza and more pizza.