Q&A with Jack Swanson

On March 19-21, Stillwater native tenor Jack Swanson will make his Minnesota Orchestra debut as one of four soloists among a host of voices under the direction of Eun Sun Kim. The work: Beethoven's watershed Symphony No. 9, a work suffused with the spirit of common humanity. To get ready for this milestone moment in his career, we asked Jack a few questions about his musical upbringing as a Stillwater High student (Go Ponies!) and the moments he's most grateful for. You betcha, Minnesota ties it all together.

Tell us a bit about your musical journey so far—from your upbringing in Stillwater to your now globe-spanning career.

My musical journey started when I was quite young, singing solos at my family's church. However, I didn't begin to take it seriously or consider pursuing it as a career until my junior year of high school. I was fortunate to attend Stillwater High School, which was known for its music program, particularly its choir. The choir consumed most of my time, and during my junior year, my choir director, "Doc" (Erik Christiansen), suggested I start studying voice. He hired a voice teacher at the school named Obed Floan (now the general director of St. Croix Valley Opera), who truly introduced me to opera and classical singing. He encouraged me to audition for the MN Opera High School Program, which allowed me to perform in their production of La Bohème. From that point on, I was hooked. I went on to the University of Oklahoma for my undergraduate degree in voice and then to Rice University for my master's degree in opera performance. I spent two summers at the Santa Fe Opera as an apprentice, which really prepared me for what lay ahead in this exciting and unpredictable career.

What does it mean for you to make your MinnOrch debut as a Minnesota native? 

I am absolutely thrilled to be making my debut with the Minnesota Orchestra. I remember growing up with a few school trips to Orchestra Hall, where I had the chance to see and hear the amazing musicians. At the time, I didn't realize how prestigious the Orchestra was or the level of excellence they were known for in the classical music world.

What is one experience you've had on- or off-stage that you're most grateful for?

Speaking of how Minnesotans show up, this past May I made my debut at the Metropolitan Opera in Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia. On opening night, I had over 100 Minnesotans in the audience who came out to support me. That experience is something I will never forget, and it will stay with me during the tough moments in my career. I am forever grateful to everyone who attended that show and to those who have supported me both now and from the beginning.

What excites you about singing Beethoven's 9th Symphony?

I know I'm not alone in saying that Beethoven's 9th Symphony has always been one of my favorite musical works. Getting to hear the Minnesota Orchestra perform this piece up close and then joining them with my voice will definitely be a highlight of the year for me.

What non-classical artists are you listening to these days? 

Well, lately, my whole life has changed with the addition of my one-year-old son. Most of my music listening consists of what he asks for. Luckily, he has great taste—his two favorite songs are the Beach Boys' "Barbara Ann" and ABBA's "Super Trouper."