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After graduation, Stokes
headed for New York City to take a job as a chemist with
Domino Sugar Refinery. And after a couple of years he began
auditioning for opera choirs. Fourteen years ago, he was
cast in a small role in Verdi’s Rigoletto and for
several years after that continued to gain roles in ever
increasing importance.
Stokes might have spent a
lifetime working as a chemist and moonlighting in minor
operatic roles had not fate intervened. Twelve years ago, he
was laid off from his day-time chemist gig. “A bittersweet
moment,” he recalls. “I hated chemistry, but I liked
stability.”
Stability was now a thing
of the past, as Stokes committed himself to his new life as
artist/opera singer, much to the chagrin of his family, who
couldn’t comprehend why any self-respecting scientist would
take up the challenge of the uncertain world of performer –
an opera performer at that.
Stokes’ commitment has
paid off, however. The bass/baritone doesn’t get back home
to Staten Island as often as he would like but that’s an
indication of how busy he is these days. This week, he will
be performing the lead role in Figaro for the fourth
time in his short career. This performance marks his second
Toledo appearance – one year ago he was here in Porgy and
Bess.
He has more than 50 roles
on his resume and has been in high demand since completing
two seasons the distinguished Ryan Opera Center of the Lyric
Opera of Chicago and has performed with opera companies from
coast to coast as well as overseas on numerous occasions.
The Marriage of Figaro is
the first of three masterpieces created by a collaboration
between composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and librettist
Lorenzo Da Ponte. The Toledo Opera performances will be on
Friday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 12 at
2:00 p.m. A student night performance will be held on
Wednesday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m.
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