Opera Idol gives new life to neglected dreams

Jenny Smith was on her way to her oldest daughter's high school graduation. It was a stressful day. And the mother of four, a college opera performance drop out, needed to sing for somebody.

A friend had emailed her a link to the first-ever Opera Idol auditions downtown. She made a split-second decision, a turn down Elm Street and wound up on stage at Music Hall. She offered judges a rendition of the Spanish "Triste" mixed with "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child."

She walked out the door and headed back into her real life.

A year later, a friend suggested that Melissa Eppinger put her pipes to the test at the second Opera Idol auditions. With limited formal vocal training—they lyric soprano doesn't read music—the Language Arts teacher had three days to prepare . The Central State University Choir alumna sang "The Lord's Prayer." She, too, expected nothing beyond the audition.

Both women not only made that first cut, but were named finalists in the 2009 and 2010 competitions, respectively. Each year, the public votes for a single Idol, who wins $3,500 and a chance to work with the Cincinnati Opera.

But Jenny Smith didn't need that check to change her life. "I got encouraged," says Smith, who turns 49 this year. "It reignited my desire to sing." She will earn her B.A. in music from Northern Kentucky University on Mother's Day, two weeks before her oldest child graduates from college.

"My goal was to get a degree as fast as possible," says Smith, whose deep speaking voice belies her soprano status. She hopes to someday sing in a Cincinnati Opera chorus, but for now she's just happy to prove to herself, and her kids, that it's never too late to follow your heart. "A dream deferred is still a dream," she says.

As for Eppinger, being an Idol finalist gave her opportunities to take master classes as well as a renewed sense of purpose in singing. The Cleveland native, 30, now works at Central State, and is earning her Master's degree in urban education at Antioch College.

"Opera Idol made me feel like I need to step up my game," Eppinger says.

Do good:

Sing your heart out. This year's Opera Idol auditions are May 7. What are you waiting for?

• Relieve Opera Idol excitement. Watch the competitive performances by Smith and Eppinger.

• Make summer plans. Buy your Opera season tickets so you won't miss a performance. The season runs June through the end of July and includes two new productions, "The Magic Flute" and "A Flowering Tree."

By Elissa Yancey

Photos courtesy Cincinnati Opera/Philip Groshong


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