Gianluca Terranova: Life on the Road

The Atlanta Opera: How do you balance getting into character in each production while making yourself comfortable in a new city?

Gianluca Terranova: Every time I go to a different city, I filter my character with the director and the conductor and the rest of the cast. I need a good team to do my job, because I believe in teamwork. when I have that, then I can put all my experience and my passion to work to give it my best.

What do you think of Atlanta? Any particular place, meal, or adventure stick out so far?

I don't know Atlanta well, but I will have time to explore the city. I like the weather, because it's the same in my city - Rome, Italy. I see very nice homes and manicured gardens, the people are very kind and this is good for my soul, and also the state of my mind it takes to sing better! Every time I'm in the USA I always have a feeling of great positive energy!

One would imagine that constant travel could strain your voice, as well as your mental and physical fortitude. Any thoughts on keeping in good health on the road? 

When the commitments are close to each other, a good thing to do is sleep well when you can.

What’s the first thing you do when you go home?

Sleep in my bed and relax with some friends and family. And off course warm up my voice with the Rigoletto score.

What is your craziest travel story?

I was in Switzerland for a summer opera festival and had to go to Lugano to take my family to the train station. I had the [navigation device in] my car take a shortcut because I was late. So I followed the navigator and I found myself climbing a mountain road. I arrived at 3000 meters! I saw the glaciers, waterfalls and snow in July! I was only two hours on the road and I was afraid because I had a short-sleeved shirt and it was zero degrees outside! Fortunately, the road started down and got on the highway!

What are the 5 things you must have when you travel?

Moca caffe, parmigiano, medicine, recorder, and [my] voice!