Bre’ann Davert, 21, isn’t like most singers her age.
While others set their sights on being the next American Idol or achieving the pop stardom of artists like Britney Spears or Miley Cyrus, Davert dreams of becoming a worldwide star? in opera.
The 2006 Brandon High School graduate will take a step toward her goal when she performs during the ‘Countertenor Recital for Charity,? 7 p.m., May 27 at the Detroit Opera House, with her friend Ramsey Katynski. Tickets are $20 and available at Ticketmaster.com. All proceeds assist the DOH, including the hosting of a performing arts camp that enables disadvantaged children to learn music, poetry and take dance lessons.
‘It encourages families that opera is not a dying art and is important,? said Davert, who plans to perform several arias with Katynski at the recital, which will include pieces by Mozart, Handel, and Monteverdi. ‘Everyone wants to be Britney Spears, but there is success in other areas and genres of music. I think it’s important to expose yourself to all types of music.?
Davert had her first exposure to opera when she was about 6-years-old and heard her aunt’s ‘Phantom of the Opera? cassette tape. Enraptured by the music, she wore out three different tapes before getting the musical in a CD format.
Davert still loves the ‘Phantom? overture. Other favorites include Wagner and, for more contemporary music, she enjoys Danny Elfman. She believes she was drawn to opera music for many reasons? because she is good at it, but also because much of it is dark, and in contrast, she is a light-hearted person.
‘It’s kind of my alter ego,? she laughs. ‘I like it because it evokes emotions that I don’t feel from watching pop singers. Pop music doesn’t make me get goosebumps. Opera is so dramatic, with lavish costumes, like a surreal life that you can only experience when you go to a live performance.?
Davert notes that opera is often sung in English now, but even when sung in another language, such as Italian, audiences can feel the anger or excitement in a song.
The music major at Oakland University is a member of the Oakland Chorale, a select group of singers. She recently returned from touring in Texas, and the mezzo-soprano is looking forward to singing for the first time at the DOH.
‘I’m so excited,? Davert said. ‘There is something for everyone. I’m hoping for a nice turnout.?