By
Aaron Cowman
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Tenor Robert Swensen picked for title role in "Oedipus
UA voice professor Robert Swensen will spend next January in Naples, Italy - not to vacation, but to perform in the Igor Stravinski opera "Oedipus Rex."
Traveling to foreign lands to showcase his vocal talent is nothing new to the tenor, though. Swensen has performed with major opera companies throughout Europe, including the Berlin State Opera, the Opˇra Comique in Paris and the Vienna State Opera.
"The classical composers began there," Swensen said. "The history you feel is really cool."
Swensen said that he enjoys singing in Europe because of the more refined audiences.
"It's great because the general public at large is more aware of the music," Swensen said. "For one thing, they understand the language."
Swensen says that with today's trend toward pop music, American crowds are harder to capture.
"It's hard to compete with N'Sync," Swensen said. "We're getting a little dumbed down, because it's getting more difficult to reach the audiences."
Swensen is familiar with "Oedipus Rex," having performed in it before. He has played the role of the shepherd in a presentation in Japan, but now he will take the stage as the title character.
"It's a difficult part to pull off," Swensen said. "It's difficult material."
Swensen said that the hard work pays off when he finally gets to sing in front of the spectators.
"For me, it's the live communication with me and the public," Swensen said. "It's very addicting."
He will put on six performances at the opera house Teatro di San Carlo in early 2001, many of which will be broadcast live on television and radio throughout Europe.
When he is not touring abroad, Swensen takes the time to join the Faculty Artist Series that performs regularly at Crowder Hall in the UA Fine Arts Complex, including last night's performance in the Daniel Asia concert.
"We have good colleagues - many that continue to perform," Swensen said. "I think that's very important. We have a good atmosphere."
Swensen has had the chance to meet some of today's greatest opera singers, including fellow tenors Luciano Pavarotti and Nicolai Gedda.
"It's like sitting in the seat of God," Swensen said. "(Pavarotti) was just as cool as cool can be."
Swensen began his educational journey through music at the University of Arizona before moving on to the Julliard School, and finally receiving his Master's degree in music at the University of Southern California.
Swensen returned to Tucson in 1997 to teach and be with his family. He said that he enjoys being in Tucson because of the enriching environment.
"It's a wonderful city to perform in," Swensen said. "In Arizona, it is probably the most cultured city."
Swensen said that he looks forward to performing in future performances, both at home and away.
"Just getting up on stage is great," Swensen said. "There is a lot of opportunity to sing what I've trained."
