"Try to Be Delightful to Work With." - Chatting with the Wonderful Taiwan Norris!
I would like you to meet Taiwan Norris. This talented alumnus of Morgan State University and Duke Ellington School of the Arts has truly left his mark on the Opera world having performed in Porgy and Bess at The Metropolitan Opera as well as with New York Harlem Productions. Taiwan has also sung at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Spiritual Journey, Trilogy: An Opera Company, Utah Festival Opera, and Opera Delaware just to name a few. He won First Place in the NATS Regional Competition and has been a Finalist for the Harlem Opera Theatre Competition.
Taiwan is truly an artist who has mastered his craft. The sky is the limit for this talented performer, and when he continues to succeed, everyone who knows Taiwan will only do two things, have a big smile on their face and cheer really loudly. I am so honored to have the opportunity to feature this amazing talent!
How old were you when you knew you wanted to be an Opera Singer?
It's funny because, like many singers, I started out singing in the church. Growing up in church in the 90s, everybody was doing all these "riffs and runs" that I didn't think I could do at the time, so I never felt like I was going to be a gospel SANGA per se. I wanted to be more of a musical theatre singer and an actor. It wasn't until I attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in high school where the curriculum was classically based that I felt like I had found my sound! So, I studied classical music/opera, and one day, one of the teachers there spoke to me and said, "You know, I think you could have a career in this. I think you could actually do it." That convinced me, and I set out on this journey. I would say that was around 15 or 16 years old.
Are there any teachers or mentors in your life who truly helped you become the wonderful artist you are today?
Well, I would first have to say that the late Dr. Nathan Carter, former director of the Morgan State University Choir, had true impact on my life as a musician. Just being a student under his tutelage and being able to travel all around the world singing with major orchestras and opera houses, even while we were yet students, taught me an incredible amount about music and how to be an artist in this business. He instilled a spirit of excellence and an impeccable work ethic in us.
Beyond him, I would have to say Gary Wedow, the former chorus master at New York City Opera, who saw something in me at my audition and not only hired me but also took valuable time out of his schedule to coach me privately. That was always so meaningful, educational, and impactful to me.
And finally, of course, performing under the baton of Dr. Everett McCorvey, founder and director of the American Spiritual Ensemble, of which I am a part, has provided me so much instruction and a wealth of knowledge. I've absorbed a remarkable amount of musicality and professionalism from him.
We are living in some unprecedented times in the world but are very fortunate right now to see a light at the end of the tunnel. For all artists (especially performers) it has definitely been a time of uncertainty. What has your everyday routine been like during Quarantine and what are some things you do to keep your spirits up?
So, here's the thing about me- I'm not really big on routines! Which is, I think, why I like being in the arts. But, I will say, during the quarantine, I did always get up each day and try to give myself a schedule of things to do. I cooked more meals at home which was refreshing. I did many at-home workouts. I was taking advantage of ALL the free workouts and classes and things online. I definitely studied music a lot. I did a whole at-home recital! I also tried to watch as many operas as I could with the Met nightly streaming. I even started learning French with Rosetta Stone! (Thanks Kofi) I also carved out time to check in on family and friends. So, those are things I did to inform my days. It was a bit easier, in the beginning, having just come off a tour where I was used to having a daily schedule. I also was sure to make time for church on Sundays to keep that connection to God. That was a huge spirit booster along with the family and friends' check-ins!
Are there any operas or performances that you have done in your amazing career that will always stick out and be near and dear to your heart?
The first one that comes to mind is the time I sang a duet at the illustrious Carnegie Hall in the Altino Brothers' "Beyond Boundaries" concert. That night was truly magical. Also, my first time singing at the acclaimed Radio City Music Hall backing up Josh Groban stands out. There was a production of Acis and Galatea that I was in at the esteemed NY City Opera. Funny story: One day I was in rehearsal playing around on stage, and I did a little dance. They saw it, loved it, and put it in the show. Wait, did I get my choreographer fee?? Haha! The last one I'll mention, and it goes without saying, but being a part of that wonderful Porgy and Bess at the prestigious Metropolitan Opera has been a highlight of my life!
What advice would you give any young aspiring artists during these times?
I would say to young artists to be sure to learn and hone your craft! Be a great colleague. Show up on time. Be prepared and know your part. Hell, try to know everybody's part! Try to be delightful to work with. Trust me, people do refer you for work. Also, try to develop a system early on for dealing with rejection and the pitfalls that will surely come. And for a final word of wisdom, I'd just like to say this: On your way to success, always remember: 5+4=9, but so does 6+3.
Check out Taiwan performing "Hush, Hush Somebody's Calling My Name"