Meet Kristine Overman, Featured Alumna Soloist

​We're only 4 weeks away from our annual A Winter Fantasy Concert​! Each week we will feature one of the alumni soloists returning for this special 10th anniversary event on December 17.

Name: Kristine Overman 
Hometown: Farmington Hills 
Seasons in MOTCC: 

• 2008-09 Brundibár
• 2009-10 The Very Last Green Thing 
• 2010-2011 The Maker of Illusions

​Kristine Overman is an American-French Soprano who was born in Farmington Hills, Michigan. She first found her love for opera at 10 years old when she joined MOTCC. She went on to pursue a BM in Vocal Performance at the University of Michigan.  Overman appeared as the soprano soloist in Mozart’s Requiem, in a collaborative production with Michigan University Choir and Michigan Youth Orchestra. She recently performed the role of the Countess in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro with Prague Summer Nights and will perform this role again with the University of Michigan next spring. 

What was your experience like at MOTCC?
My experience in MOTCC was nothing short of life changing. I came in as 10-year-old who had always been good at singing, but knew NOTHING about opera. I emerged a fairly competent young singer with stage experience at a major opera house! I knew from my first time onstage, as a chorister, in Carmen, this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was also fortunate to have been chosen perform as a Spirit for Michigan Opera Theatre’s main stage production of Mozart’s Magic Flute. It was absolutely invaluable to be able to glean that kind of knowledge and experience at such a young age. I learned how to take criticism, take stage directions, and make connections which is so vital in this industry. I’m happy to say that some of my friends in MOTCC have become lifelong friends and among the loudest supporters of my ongoing career. I wouldn’t be living my dream every day if it wasn’t for this fabulous program!

Is there any advice you would give to students in the MOTCC now? 
I would advise any student currently involved with MOTCC to be exactly what they are: a student. Your job right now is to be curious, ask questions, and engage with those around you in order to learn. Soak up as much knowledge as you can, listen to your instructors and help build up your peers. Listen when you are given advice and criticism, and work hard to be the best you can be, while also realizing that you are young and you have a long time to hone your skills. Be kind to yourself, and try not to judge yourself or others too harshly. Above all, realize what an incredible blessing it is to work with industry professionals and form these connections now. Some people never get to live out their passion, so take advantage of this time now!

What are your future goals and aspirations? 
In the near future, I will be graduating from the University of Michigan with a BM in Vocal Performance, after graduation I plan to apply for graduate school. I would love to study in Europe at some point. Ultimately, I would love to be able to share my voice with the world, and bring opera to my generation as I love the art form so much. To be able to call the major opera houses of this country home would be the ultimate gift, but until that day I am overjoyed to sing, learn, and share my passion with others.