Carrie Hennessey - Soprano

This is the first time in a few years that I've been home to truly prepare for the Christmas season. I realized, I didn't feel like decorating, wrapping presents and I never feel like shopping. I needed to be home to play games, cook, listen to and sing music, dance with my kids and truly connect with the spirit of the season. ... Read more...

The last few years I have been lucky enough to have an extremely busy concert season, but well spaced so I had time to think, percolate, interpret....Ahhh....time to think... That was not so much the case to begin this season and I had to call upon my skills as an Opera Mom in the Art of Flexibility. The Art of Flexibility truly means that you've prepared for anything, and then have the confidence to successfully navigate a... Read more...

The first week of school is always tricky as the bodies and brains get back in to a strict routine. This year, however, was a big transition year in our house. I have a middle schooler in a new school. (Actually, she was in TWO new schools in the first five days!) I also have a fifth grader that is in a school by himself for the first time. My husband had a job loss and I need to solidify my season. I knew that these first ... Read more...

  Who am I? This is a question that I am sure all of us have asked at one point, or at several pivotal points in life. For me, i... Read more...

Yes, as an Opera Mom, I often have my rehearsal tag alongs...my two amazing children! I know, I know, EVERYONE thinks that their children are amazing. What I know, is that I will be able to concentrate at a rehearsal while my children are present. They know that they are expected to help where needed and to be quiet and attentive, otherwise. Sometimes, this is not an easy task, but it is always expected. Monday night was no exception. Ella had rehearsal with the Sacramento Children's ... Read more...

Edward Ortiz interviewed me about singing in the "English Grandeur" concert with the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra this April 14th. We, of course, talked about the deep meaning of the Vaughn Williams piece on which I am soloist, "A Song of Thanksgiving". Vaughn Williams wrote this at the end of WWII, originally meant to be broadcast over the radio. It is filled with triumphant horns, a single, solitary soprano solo echoing the fanfare with hope and joy. Then the full chorus ... Read more...

This week was filled with making lunches, checking homework and strict bed times. School has begun which means a couple of things: 1. I have more quiet time to do practice, make phone calls and have meetings to help propel my singing career 2. I have less time to actually do these things Doesn't sound right, does it. Well, I do have a chunk of quiet time while the kids are at... Read more...

Family vacation? Well, not really. It's not often that my family and I can "indulge" in a vacation for vacation's sake. My schedule is erratic, so often the family vacations wherever it is I happen to be singing. This time 'round we had an opportunity to head up to the northern coast of California to beautiful Mendocino! After one intense day's rehearsal of the Mozart Requiem and Mahler's "Ich bin der Welt" my family joined me in Mendocino. This is one of those moments where balance o... Read more...

After my incredible Summer Camp experience, I had the privilege to give a recital and Master Class at the Annual Convention of the Music Teachers' Association of California. I awoke early on Sat. to make the trek to Oakland for my rehearsal with my accompanist. I arrived a bit early, as usual, to give myself time to clean up and get some water before we began. As I washed my hands I heard, "You must be Carrie Hennessey! You look just like your photo!" Apparently, that's not always the... Read more...

As an opera singing mom, this is a question I hear all the time. "Can your kids sing?" Actually, my two kids hear it all the time. For me, it makes no difference. I want them to experience many things in life and find their passion. After a 10 year break from performing, the kids are wathcing me find my passion through every project I take on! This week I have been lucky enough to combine work along with my kids' summer play. I have been working with the extraordinary Lynn Stevens of ... Read more...

I don't have eight children. I have two, along with a loving and supportive husband, family, many mentors and friends in this great adventure. (which is how I look at life) Like many other families all over, I am a working mom. I am trying to start my own business, create more opportunities for work and balance my personal and family lives. Only, I'm an opera singer by trade. And that is where the differences lie.   These are the adventures of...."THE OPERA MOM"... Read more...