Nicholas Newton, who will star in Houston Grand Opera’s season opener “Intelligence” next month, found his love for music at a young age. A graduate of Rice University’s music program, he also is a fan of another hometown musician — Beyoncé.
Q: How did you first find an interest in music and singing?
“My interest in music was passed down from my parents. I grew up in a musical household where we would deeply listen as a family and discuss the aspects of different songs that made them special to us personally. My dad plays the bass and sings and my mom sings as well. They are both self taught and gospel was the main genre of music that we listened to. I started off singing in church, then focused on jazz and musical theater until I began classical lessons.”
Q: What do you enjoy the most about performing on stage?
“Seeing all of the different elements come together for the first time. From the singing actors, to the dancers, visual artists, musicians in the pit, and beyond, there is nothing quite like the thrill, spontaneity, and flow of performing live theater.”
Q: What’s a song that you could listen to over and over again? Why?
“ ‘Find Your Way Back’ by Beyoncé. I had the distinct honor and privilege of seeing her perform in Houston last week and although she didn’t perform that song, the concert reminded me to revisit The Gift album. I love ‘Find Your Way Back’ because it reminds me to come back to myself and helps me stay centered energetically. It’s so good.”
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