Oak Creek Student's Summer Vacation: Operas in Italy

When Madelaine Hodel returns to Oak Creek High School in a few weeks and is asked the "What did you do on your summer vacation?" question, her answer is likely going to be vastly different than her peers.

Unless spending six weeks in Italy to perform in operas is a normal thing now. 

Madelaine did just that earlier this summer as a member of a group that performed Le Nozze di Figaro and Suor Angelica in multiple local Italian theaters.

As one might imagine, the experience provided a number of challenges. 

For starters, Madelaine was in a country she had never been to, trying to communicate in a language she didn't speak. "It was really weird trying to order food," she said.

While she's been singing since age 6 and has done opera-style music, it was the first time she performed in a full opera. 

Madelaine was also the youngest member of the program, which is designed to immerse students in the opera experience. Most of the other students were college age, though Madelaine said the experience has helped her greatly since she's been back in the United States.

"Vocally, I grew a lot," she said. 

The schedule in Italy was grueling. The first part of the day, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., mostly consistent of lessons of the Italian language. The group rehearsed the operas from about 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. or later.

Most of the time, theater groups take six months to rehearse an opera. This group, comprised mostly of Americans signing Italian operas, had a mere six weeks, which made for a frenetic lead-up to the performances that came at the end of their time in Italy. 

But it was also a huge sense of accomplishment—and relief—when the curtain fell for the last time. 

"We were crying at the last performance," Madelaine said. "It was incredible, it all coming together." 

For Madelaine, who will be a sophomore in the fall, opera is a natural extension of her singing background and musical taste.

"I've always sang and classical music has always interested me more than, say, musical theater or pop," she said. "(Opera) seemed like the path I wanted to go. Classical music just kind of leads to opera."

Her public singing debut came at age 6 when she sang the National Anthem at her father's semi-pro hockey game. Now, Madelaine performs in the Oak Creek High School senior choir, the Milwaukee Vocal Arts Academy and the South Shore Youth Opera Ensemble. 

She said she's not sure if music will be the focus of her college career, but it's a pretty safe bet she'll stay involved in some form. 

"Music will always be a part of my life," she said. 

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