Watch VideoTeen opera singer to perform in Europe
Story By: Andy Koen
Source: KOAA
Music is a large part of Elizabeth Williams' life. The Pine Creek High senior plays both piano and guitar and is even learning the flute. But it's her singing that has had the biggest impact on her future. The budding opera singer is performing in two operas in Rome this summer.
"It was definitely an interesting choice to go into opera because not a lot of young people nowadays," Williams said.
Elizabeth will play the role of the nun in Puccini’s Suor Angelica and will also sing in the chorus of Mozart's Die Zauberflote, or the Magic Flute, during the three week Opera Festival di Roma this July. It's her second time performing in Europe and Elizabeth says she can't wait to go back.
"Just to be engulfed in music, I think, till eight in the morning till five at night and be with the people you'll be performing with and staging," Williams said.
Elizabeth has been singing since she was seven. She grew up listening to classical music and says even though being an opera singer isn’t a dream many teens choose to pursue, she's happy that she is.
"I love music in general because it can bring so much joy to people's lives,” Elizabeth said.
Her parents say they are proud of their daughter accomplishments.
"She's a bit of an anomaly with her contemporaries, but we're so excited, this is a grand opportunity to go to Rome and be a part of this opera,” said stepfather Randall Secrest.
"As proud as I am of her with her music, the most important thing for me is, I'm proud of her character," added Teri Secrest, Elizabeth’s mother.
Elizabeth will study opera at BelhavenCollege in Mississippi this fall.
