Behind the Scenes with Tara Erraught

By UMS

This post is a part of a series of playlists curated by artists, UMS Staff, and community. Check out more music here.

Mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught, who performs in Ann Arbor on March 14, 2014. Photo by Kristin Speed.

Mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught won widespread acclaim in February 2011, first in the title role of a new production of Ravel’s L’Enfant et les Sortilèges, and next in her unexpected debut as Romeo in Bellini’s I Capuleti e i Montecchi. We welcome Tara Erraught for her Ann Arbor debut on March 20, 2014 in Hill Auditorium.

We asked Tara Erraught to share what she’s been listening to lately. Her notes about each song are in italics below the song title.

Tara Erraught: I listen to things that excite me, things that affect me, and in the end, that is the same effect I would like to have on any one audience member!

Full List:

Frank Sinatra: “Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams!”
Tara: I am a big Frank fan! Almost every evening returning from work, he is my relaxing buddy!

Frank Sinatra: “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”
Tara: Always a great one to pick you up!

Queen: “I Want to Break Free”
Tara: LOVE Queen! This is what I put on when I start a work out at the gym, or get on my bike, to go to work! Unstoppable.

Tina Turner: “River Deep, Mountain High”
Tara: Tina all the way!!!! When you need an energy kick, this is your woman.

Tina Turner: “Son of a Preacher Man”
Tara: My shower song!!!!!

Luciano Pavarotti: “Core ‘ngrato”
Tara: This man is one of the reasons I sing! And his rendition of this, made me learn to sing with my soul!

Claudio Baglioni
Tara: This Italian pop singer, famous in the 70’s and 80’s, I listened to him all the time while I was studying, and I learned Italian through listening to him.

Mozart: Act 1 finale of “La Clemenza di Tito”
Tara: I did not know this until I studied the role, but it is the most AMAZING music.

Vivaldi: “The Four Seasons”
Tara: Baroque Rock music!!! This thrills me to my bones!!!!!!

Listen on Spotify:

Watch a quick interview with Tara:

What did you think about this playlist? Share your thoughts or song suggestions in the comments below.