JENNIFER MAHAL -- IN THE WINGS

It takes a lot to sing opera -- not just range and powerful lungs. It

takes a willingness to learn foreign languages, a commitment to the craft

and passion. A lot of passion.

Opera is a world with “endless possibilities,” tenor Chad

Berlinghieri. “When you come to an opera, you leave reality,” he said.

“I think it’s the highest art form,” said Stephanie Woodling, a

mezzo-soprano.

Stephanie and Chad, both of whom live in Newport Beach, are practicing

their craft in the inaugural year of Opera Pacific’s Resident Artists

program. The program places fledgling artists on an eight-month contract,

during which time they train and perform with the Orange County-based

opera company.

Recently, Stephanie and Chad sang feature roles in a work-shopped

production of Hector Armienta’s new opera “River of Women.” The piece,

which will have a full production in the San Francisco area later this

year, tells the story of three generations of women.

Chad can be found onstage next week in “Der Rosenkavalier” at the

Orange County Performing Arts Center. He will play the Major Domo and the

Innkeeper.

Stephanie will take the stage soon as Meg in “Little Women” at the

Irvine Barclay Theatre.

Opera called to both artists from a young age.

“One day my [eighth grade] music teacher gave me an art song by

Hayden,” Stephanie said. “From that point on, if there was an opera that

came to Allentown, Pa., my mother had to take me to it.”

She attended the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, prior to

moving to Orange County for her Opera Pacific residency.

Chad, who has been with the Opera Pacific company since 1991, said he

has been singing operatic songs since high school.

“I realized that I had this big ole voice and I wanted to do something

with it,” said the Chapman University graduate who remembers seeing “La

Boheme” at a kids night performance when he was little.

Opera, like many specialized arts, operates in a very small world.

Like when I mentioned my friend, soprano Stacey Tappan, whom I have known

since we were eight.

“I know her,” Stephanie exclaimed. Chad remembered singing with Stacey

when he attended Chapman.

Definitely a small world experience.

Chad said that for him, the hardest part of singing opera has been

learning to conquer his fear of walking onstage by himself.

For those who might be contemplating a career in opera, both say that

going to a good school is essential.

“Believe in yourself, that you will make it,” said Stephanie. “Don’t

give yourself a plan B.”

Neither of the singers said they ever really gave themselves a “plan

B.”

“Singing is the one thing I want to be doing,” said Chad.

* * *

Do you know a local artist, writer, painter, singer, filmmaker, etc.,

who deserves to get noticed? Send your nominee to In The Wings, Daily

Pilot, 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627, by fax to (949) 646-4170 or

by e-mail too7 jennifer.mahal@latimes.com.f7

* JENNIFER MAHAL is features editor of the Daily Pilot.