Discovering Rolandi
Have you ever read about someone and thought, “Absolutely, yes, we could be friends?" Enter Gianna Rolandi (1952 - 2021), internationally acclaimed coloratura soprano and Spartanburg Music Trail honoree. Part of the Spartanburg Philharmonic's ongoing work with the Music Trail is gathering histories, articles, artifacts, and stories related to each musician honored on the trail. This summer, I was sitting in the KennedyRoom at the downtown Library with piles of articles, covering the entire surface of the desk, and as I started reading about Gianna, I felt an instant sense of camaraderie and connection.
Gianna comes across as passionate, intelligent, and (if I’m totally honest) a teeny bit exhausting. She tried her best to keep whoever was interviewing her on track and focused, dodging countless clichéd questions about her personal life. She shared her extensive daily vocal routine to one reporter, trying to impress upon them the complexity of her craft and the effort it takes. When your body is your instrument, and your voice is your livelihood, is it any wonder that Gianna reported she wouldn’t talk to anyone after noon? Gianna reflected on her college experience in another article: “Our idea of a good time was to play chamber music at night. I don’t imagine that’s what normal college kids do.” I couldn’t help but laugh out loud in the middle of the quiet Kennedy Room. The quote immediately made me think back to my own college experience of sneaking into Gardner-Webb’s chapel in the middle of the night to play music with friends. Memories of laughing in a dorm room over dramatic recitations using the outdated text of yet another piece of Leider had me grinning from ear to ear. Maybe that’s the prevailing reality with those of us who major in music; we’re all a little bit abnormal in our search to create art.
You can read the highlights of Gianna’s career on the MusicTrail website, which include a decade and a half of experience on the stage with the New York City Opera, bringing to life over 30 roles, including Sophie/Der Rosenkavalier (debut, 1979), Olympia, and the title role/Stravinsky’s Le Rossignol. Gianna sang on stages worldwide, and upon retiring from performing in 1994, taught the next generation of singers. She never forgot her Spartanburg roots and made numerous visits to perform and encourage the growth of our musical community. I’ve just begun to scratch the surface of Gianna and her career, and I am excited to continue learning about allof our Spartanburg Music Trail honorees. I encourage you to stop by a Music Trail sign when you’re walking downtown [Spartanburg], and make a connection to these incredible musicians.
Learn more about Gianna Rolandi and other honorees online.
Written by: Hannah Simpson
Gianna Rolandi performs Zerbinetta at the New York City Opera in 1975.
Gianna Rolandi’s Music Trail Sign can be found on East Main Street between Church and Liberty Streets