Singer Jennifer Larmore discovers her offstage voice

Jennifer Larmore
Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Larmore makes her debut with the Minnesota Orchestra this week.
Photo by Douglas Robertson

Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Larmore is making her debut with the Minnesota Orchestra this week. She's joining the orchestra for season-ending performances of Mahler's Second Symphony.

Although Larmore was born in Atlanta, her career first took off in Europe. She returned to the U.S. in 1994 and became a fixture at the Metropolitan Opera.

Larmore wants to expose more people to opera. In her satellite radio program, "Backstage with Jennifer Larmore," she gave listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the opera world. Earlier this year she began a series of commentaries on American Public Media's daily radio program, "Performance Today." She's also working on children's books about opera written from the perspective of her miniature schnauzer, Sophie.

In a conversation with Minnesota Public Radio's Brian Newhouse, Larmore discusses her work on the opera stage and radio studio as well as her plans after her performing career is over.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.