Straus raises her voice

Rhonda Simmons / Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: May 24, 2007

Culpeper freshman to participate in Operafest

Erika Straus is a "Soprano." No, not part of the fictional Italian-American HBO crime family.

However, she does sing like a bird, unlike those shady New Jersey mobsters.

Erika's voice can resonate from the highest pitched tones to the softest melodies.

And because of that talent, the 15-year-old freshman is headed to Italy next month to participate in Operafestival di Roma where she will perform in two productions: Giacomo Puccini's Suor Angelica and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Don Giovanni.

"Ever since I started doing opera, I have always wanted to go to this particular show," she said, as she smiled broadly. "I wasn't expecting to get in because I'm very young."

Although, Erika won't have a starring role this year — those parts are saved for older performers - this trip will offer her experience and added confidence.

Erika is a member of the Culpeper County High School Troubadours, the school's most advanced choir.

She will stay in Rome during the month-long performance in July.

Erika said she screamed at the top of her lungs when she found out she was going.

Don't worry, she didn't harm those delicate vocal chords.

Her mother, Missy Straus, says Erika has attained something special.

"It gives her some insight on where she can take it (her talent)," Missy said. "There's a lot of potential."

Erika says she feels a bit out of place sometimes because kids her age are not participating in opera.

"I feel like it makes me stand out and unique," she said.

Training for her future

A few years ago, Erika began working with a voice teacher at U.Va.'s McIntire Department of Music. Now, she travels to Mary Baldwin College to train with another voice instructor.

After college, Erika would like to attend Julliard and study opera and maybe teach voice someday.

She said she feels that the experience in Rome this summer "will be an important step in that direction."

However, the trip has one obstacle — the cost.

Erika's family has to pay about $8,000 in lodging and travel fees.

But, Missy says it's worth every penny.

"It's important to get my children involved in some type of activity, she said. "You have to find a passion for your kids not just an activity for them to do. It really helps kids. It does keep them out of trouble."

Rhonda Simmons can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 125 or .