6 Questions with Michael Kelly
Where did you grow up?
I’m from a town on Long Island called Massapequa.
What made you realize that music was a part of your path?
I’ve been in the performing arts since I was four years old. I began as a ballet dancer before taking up the alto saxophone. I knew by age 14 that music was my calling, but I didn’t start singing until age 16. I actually auditioned for conservatories on both saxophone and as a vocalist, but ultimately I felt the path that could land me as a soloist, on the stage and in costume, was the better choice!
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I have always been incredibly inspired by mezzo-soprano, Anna Sophie von Otter; not only by the utter beauty of her voice, but also by her incredible versatility and musical integrity. John Adams is also a hugely influential figure for the way he constructs stories through a unique musical point of view. Outside of classical music, I always look to Bjork for her insular point of view and willingness to create combining all the resources of her extraordinarily varied soundscapes.
Has there been one particular moment in your musical career that you're most proud of?
My Carnegie Hall Stern Auditorium debut was truly an incredible experience. I performed an oratorio called Zabur by composer Mohammed Fairouz and librettist Najla Said with the Indianapolis Symphonic choir; a piece we gave the world premier of a year before. The story of Zabur was constructed to include a beautiful message of finding community and love during times of great discord.
What made you want to perform on the Room to Breathe series?
Pathways must be discovered in order to get through the very trying situation we all find ourselves in. As an artist and a producer, I feel a call to respond to obstacles with creativity. Covid-19 has put a clear obstacle in the way of all artists, particularly those who practice the performing arts. As we worked more and more with the technology and resources available to us, the path began to clarify. We wanted to give artists an opportunity to be employed again, while at the same time benefiting the many humanitarian causes that need our attention. Our passion for mindful programming led us to invite a wide array of brilliant artists who share our passions and were eager to create with us.
What’s the next thing for you?
I will be directing a training program called RISE (Resound: Immersive Song Exploration) which I co-created for the Crested Butte Music Festival. I will also perform two livestream recitals. One with pianist Shannon McGinnis and visual/sculpture artist and photographer Tiago Valente, including world premieres by David T. Little and David Wolfson. The other is a performance of Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin with guitarist/composer David Leisner.