A New Dawn

The artistic partners concept is SPCO's innovative strategy to provide artistic leadership for the orchestra. Instead of what SPCO president Bruce Coppock calls "an all-powerful music director," the orchestra engages a rotating roster of musicians who plan three or four programs a year. "It allows the orchestra and the musicians to experience music through different lenses," Coppock says.

Upshaw is the first singer—and the first woman—to be included in this illustrious group. "She adds something new to the mix," says Charles Ullery, principal bassoon and former member of the Artistic Vision Committee, a group of three musicians and two management members that chooses the artistic partners. "She is a major figure on the international scene and is committed to new music. She fills a niche."

"She is one of the most independent-minded singers I have ever met," Coppock says. "She has a splendid voice, supple and beautiful. But more than that, she is curious and has an uncanny ability to communicate. She opens up huge vistas for us. We want her to play with the SPCO like you would play with a piece of putty—to use us as a canvas to stimulate the musicians and the audience."

"When I was chosen, SPCO gave me the impression that they admire my choices in repertoire and the way I enjoy music," Upshaw says. "I've enjoyed putting the programs together. There is music I adore that I haven't done in a while and some brand new things." For her performances, she will sing arias by Mozart, with whom she has long been identified, as well as less familiar song cycles by Stravinsky and Ravel. The future involves even more adventurous music, including three commissions during her tenure.

Upshaw's ties to the SPCO go back more than twenty years. "In 1986, I was hired to perform (Samuel) Barber's Knoxville: Summer of 1915 with Gunther Schuller," says Upshaw. "It was one of my first professional jobs. The fact that it was with such a top-notch ensemble was incredibly meaningful for me." She has been a frequent guest with the orchestra ever since.

The timing of her appointment was quite fortuitous, coming on the heels of winning a MacArthur Fellowship Genius Grant. When asked how it feels to be a genius, Upshaw jokingly deflects the question, but admits, "It was an incredible thrill. It was such a shock that I was shaking and sick to my stomach for twenty-four hours. I was left feeling amazed." She is unclear how she will spend the $500,000 grant, but "I really hope a lot of beautiful music will come out of it," she says.

For the last year or so, Upshaw's appearance with any organization was in doubt as she battled breast cancer. "Once you have been diagnosed with cancer, you always have it," she says. "But the prognosis is good." And she is ready to take on this new challenge.

"My job is to bring my ideas to the orchestra, based on my own personal musical interests. What a gift for me!" Jan 18-19. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul, 651-291-1144