Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1523410
92 maconmagazine.com | June/July 2024 Follow her upcoming performances by visiting jasminehabersham.com—and keep an eye out for chances to see her perform locally, as she did with the Macon- Mercer Symphony Orchestra in February of last year. ABOVE The artist at her piano. At right, well-loved librettos from her career. Plus, a baseball signed by fellow cast members of Minnesota Opera's "The Fix." Behind her hides a whale sculpture, harkening to her role as Pip in "Moby Dick." The glass at far left is clear; the green comes from the verdant backyard. LEFT While Jasmine was performing at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, Spain, the couple enrolled in ceramics classses. "My goal is to have my house full of art by my friends." wonderful opportunity to work with companies that have hired me to play roles that are traditionally played by white women. Companies are starting to listen to what people want to see. They want to see "Hamilton", but on the opera stages. I've been in those settings and it's powerful to see that not only can white people do this, but Black people can do this, Asian people can do this, Latino people can do this. If the story is not about race, there are so many different ways you can create and express a story through a different lens. It is so empowering to see other people of color play these traditionally white roles and give it a different flavor and perspective, a different color of the voice. Those voices need to be heard. It's really empowering to see that. It inspires people in more communities that don't typically listen to opera to say, "I saw this Black girl on stage. I wonder what that's about?" Sierra: You are creating a safe space with your presence. Jasmine: Exactly. If you can put more Black girls in leading roles, it really gets people thinking. I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing if I didn't see Audra McDonald or Kathleen Battle or Jessye Norman take the stage. Sierra: Growing up, I loved seeing women who looked like me on stage. To this day, the thrill hasn't le . Sierra and Jasmine explore one of the many ways in which Jasmine is shaping the operatic world. She is bringing the classic form to new listeners. Jasmine's voice and presence invite more inclusive audiences to engage with opera on stages across the country. Her upcoming season will take her to Nashville, Central City, Minneapolis, Fort Worth, Chicago, and more. But when she can, she will be nestled in her Macon home, resting her voice and finding joy in the little things.