Opera ambassador

Claudia Figueroa

Performers of her stature are often viewed as prima donnas, divas who

are extremely difficult to work with.

But opera star Barbara Bonney is breaking that stereotype.

Bonney, one of the leading American lyric sopranos of the 20th

century, has performed in some of the finest opera houses in Europe. And,

even though someone with her experience and poise usually gets whatever

they want behind the scenes, Bonney says she doesn’t see herself as a

diva, rather a hometown girl who grew up listening to the Beatles. “I’m

an antispectacle performer. I prefer a quiet introspective performance,

and less razzmatazz,” said the 44-year-old.

Bonney, who makes her Orange County debut Sunday at the Performing

Arts Center’s Founders Hall, will present audiences with a unique blend

of contemporary classical pieces. She will be accompanied by Caren Levine

in a program of works by Edvard Grieg, Richard Strauss and Aaron Copland.

This weekend’s selection, which Bonney picked herself, is just a small

sampling of the leading lady’s ever-growing repertoire. Bonney, whose

work ranges from baroque to Bach, said she is always looking for a new

piece or part to conquer.

Bonney’s personality seems similar to the roles she chooses, such as

Sophie in “Der Rosen Kavalier,” Pamina in “The Magic Flute” and Anna in

the “Merry Widow of Windsor” -- all of which are noble and virtuous, yet

strong-willed and deep-rooted.

Bonney grew up in Montclair, N.J. admiring the intelligence and talent

of cellist Jacqueline Du Pre. At 13 she played cello for the Portland

Symphony Orchestra in Maine before attending the University of Salzburg

and enrolling in a soloist program at the Mozareum.

In addition to performing works of the most highly regarded 19th- and

20th-century composers, Bonney has worked with Nikolaus Harnoncourt, John

Eliot Gardiner and Trevor David Pinnock -- some of the most lauded

conductors in contemporary theater.

But Bonney said she made a conscious decision several years ago not to

limit herself. Throughout the years she has performed a number of small

recitals and nontraditional classics, including a classical piece a few

years ago by Paul McCartney called “Liverpool Oratorio” at Carnegie Hall.

“Paul was my childhood idol,” Bonney said. “So when he kissed me on

the cheek after my performance I was thrilled and thought it was

extraordinary to have been a part of that.”

As an American girl from a suburban neighborhood, she is a symbol of

hope for those who have dreams of viewing the world from the most highly

regarded stages in Europe. And, unlike her American contemporaries Dawn

Shaw and Ruth Ann Swenson, Bonney is highly praised for her engaging and

down-to-earth personality. Being known as a musical diva is not for her.

“People call performers diva when they misbehave,” Bonney explained.

“In all earnestness, I try not to behave that way because it’s not about

me, it’s about the music.”

Orange County Performing Arts Center spokesperson Timothy Dunn said

Bonney is an international opera star known for her well-rounded

personality, not as a temperamental singer.

‘She epitomizes everything her generation has strived for over the

years with opera music -- breaking away from stereotypes and prima donna

personality,” Dunn added.

Bonney is especially in tuned to her surroundings and incorporates

that into her work. That and an in-depth knowledge of the background of

each piece she performs makes for a good performance.

Even though other singers of her age may be near the end of their

careers, Bonney’s work seems ageless. She often plays roles that are much

younger than her actual age, and vocally, she has a youthful quality.

Bonney’s voice does great justice to every piece she performs, said

Dunn. “She is known for her interpretive abilities and the crystalline

purity of her voice.”

She also is a vocalist who is willing to pass on her techniques and

wisdom to others. While many of the great performers have taken on pupils

when they retire, Bonney teaches vocal lessons, she says, while she’s

still in her prime.

“Teaching is a large part of performing classical music, and I’ve

always considered myself lucky to have learned from great conductors,”

she explained. “Before it evades me, I want to make sure others learn

those same traditions.”

And though her schedule is hectic, Bonney takes time to go home. In

fact, she’s returning to the East Coast this summer to accept an honorary

doctorate degree from her alma matter, the University of New Hampshire.

Despite her remarkable ability to command an audience in every venue,

Bonney said she still suffers from stage fright.

“I get nervous every time I walk out on stage,” sheconfessed. “If I

didn’t get nervous I would probably get bored with what I’m doing or be

very blase about it. But I’m always very excited about performing and

being nervous is part of that.”

WHAT: Barbara Bonney

WHERE: Orange County Performing Arts Center’s Founders Hall, 600 Town

Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

WHEN: 4 p.m. Sunday

HOW MUCH: $40

PHONE: (714) 740-7878 or (213) 356-3500