Sault ste.Marie Soprano to Take Center Stage at Lincoln center
Reilly Nelson, a talented soprano hailing from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is preparing for a momentous debut at New York City’s iconic Lincoln Center on February 3rd and 4th. The stage will be set for “Blind Injustice,” a contemporary opera that sheds light on the powerful and poignant stories of six individuals wrongfully imprisoned and later exonerated.
Nelson’s role in this emotionally charged production is Nancy Smith, a former Ohio bus driver who tragically spent over 15 years behind bars for crimes she vehemently denies. “A mother made up a story that she had molested those children,” Nelson explained in a recent interview with SooToday. “There was really no evidence, but prosecutors are elected in the United States, and one wanted to get reelected. One mother created some mass hysteria around it. Other mothers came forward and said, ‘Nancy Smith molested my children too,'”
What makes Nelson’s performance even more significant is the deeply personal connection woven into the production. “Blind Injustice” draws heavily from interviews with the real exonerees, meaning Nelson will be singing Smith’s own words. The two women have formed a bond during the creative process, creating a powerful and deeply personal experience for both Nelson and the audience.
“It’s very unique to meet someone you’re singing about,” Nelson said. “In traditional opera, you’re representing a character that may have been a real person, but you’re really making up your own ideas about the character. With contemporary opera, you get to tell stories about things that are happening now.” Adding another layer of depth, the chorus will be prominently featured in the performance, with each singer portraying an exoneree.
Nelson’s journey to Lincoln Center began in her hometown of Sault Ste. Marie. At the tender age of nine, she began honing her vocal talents under the guidance of Agnes McCarthy at the Algoma Conservatory of Music. Her mother, Carrie Nelson, was her earliest inspiration, sharing her love for singing and creating a musical atmosphere in their home.
“A lot of people tell me,’Your mom sang at my wedding!'” Nelson recalled.”She taught voice lessons in our house when we were growing up.She had opera CDs, and they were the soundtrack to my childhood in a way.” Driven by her passion, Nelson pursued formal education, earning a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, followed by master’s and doctoral degrees in vocal pedagogy from the University of Cincinnati.
Nelson has graced stages across North America and Europe,finding fulfillment not only in performing but also in connecting with local artistic communities.
“It’s different from regular tourism. When I perform internationally,I get to become a part of a city’s artistic community while I’m there,” she shared. “I love to discover new places, but mostly I’ve enjoyed making new personal connections. A city’s operatic community is very tight.”
Her European debut at tiroler Festspiele Erl in Erl,Austria,in 2021 holds a special place in her heart. “My favorite performances in opera don’t always align with what is the biggest role in an opera,” Nelson explained. “It’s more about the people I meet and work with in any given place. That’s what makes a place special for me. I really loved the group of people I worked with in austria. It was magical being in the mountains, and the music was stunning.”
Nelson’s notable career continues to flourish, with collaborations with renowned organizations across the globe. As she prepares for this significant performance at Lincoln center,she embodies the spirit of artistic excellence and the power of storytelling through music.,
Sault Ste. Marie’s Opera Star: Reilly Nelson’s Journey to Lincoln Center
Reilly Nelson’s voice is set to grace the prestigious stage of the Lincoln Center this February. The award-winning soprano, hailing from Sault Ste.Marie, Ontario, is on the cusp of achieving a major milestone in her career. Nelson will star in the opera “Blind Injustice” as Nancy Smith, a role that promises to showcase her remarkable talent and captivating presence.
Nelson’s journey to the opera stage has been marked by dedication and a deep-seated passion for music. She began her professional career performing with esteemed ensembles like the Cincinnati Opera,Kentucky Opera,and the Reno Philharmonic. Her Canadian debut with pacific Opera Victoria took place in the fall of 2024, solidifying her position as a rising star in the opera world.
Her remarkable abilities haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2018, Nelson captured the coveted lotte Lenya Competition, a prestigious award hosted by the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music. Critics have showered her with praise, hailing her as “a revelation” and marveling at her “distinctly warm and burnished” sound. The recognition, she notes, is both validating and encouraging. “It feels great to have your work validated, especially when it reinforces a performance I felt good about,” nelson shares.”I always hold my breath before I read a review, but I’ve been pretty lucky so far. It’s good career-wise to get a good review.”
Inspiration for Nelson comes from legendary figures like Maria callas and Barbara Hannigan, both celebrated for their powerful voices and commanding stage presence. “I look up to singers who are great actresses and great singers,” she confides. “For singers who are living now, barbara Hannigan is probably my biggest role model. She’s a conductor and a singer, and she’s Canadian as well. She’s one of the most riveting performers I’ve ever seen.”
While Nelson currently resides in Toronto, her roots in Sault Ste. Marie remain deeply intertwined with her identity. “It’s where my family is. It’s where I find the most peace and calm,” she shares. Her singing, she believes, is more than just a profession; it’s a calling that transcends the stage. “Sometimes I feel like I didn’t choose singing. It’s just something that I’ve always done. The more I perform, the more I realize it’s exactly what I’m meant to be doing. It’s not just about making music.It’s about creating moments when myself as the performer and the audience can connect to something authentic in a world of mass media and artificial intelligence. There’s no soundboard, no auto-tune. It’s all real, and I think people crave that authenticity going forward. Going to the opera is very meaningful, and that’s a huge reason why I sing.”
Reilly Nelson, a rising star in the opera world, is about to embark on a journey of immense emotional weight. She’s preparing to star in “Blind Injustice,” a powerful contemporary opera based on the true story of Nancy Smith, a woman who spent 15 years behind bars for crimes she didn’t commit.
“Singing Nancy Smith’s story has been both a challenge and a privilege,” Nelson says. “The opera draws heavily from interviews with the real exonerees, including Nancy herself.” The opportunity to connect with Smith throughout the production process has made the experience deeply personal for Nelson. “I’m careful to honor her story and the experiences of all those involved, making sure I do their legacy justice,” she explains.
What makes this production truly unique is the direct involvement of the individuals whose stories are being told. Nelson describes it as “very unique to meet the person you’re singing about.” In conventional opera, singers frequently enough build their characters from a ancient outlook or their own interpretations. but in contemporary opera,the lines blur,allowing for a deeper,more authentic connection to the material.
“Meeting Nancy and the others, engaging with their stories firsthand, it’s given this production a depth and a power that I think is truly special,” Nelson reflects.
“Blind Injustice” takes the audience on a visceral journey with its massive chorus. The choir will be a powerful presence on stage, accompanying the exonerees represented by the lead singers. “It’s an incredibly immersive experience for both the performers and the audience,” Nelson shares. “The music, composed by Kamala sankaram, is so powerful and moving.I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
Nelson’s passion for singing was ignited in her hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, where she first learned from the legendary Agnes McCarthy at the Algoma Conservatory of Music. But her love for music was instilled even earlier, by her mother, Carrie Nelson.
“My mom was my first inspiration,” Nelson says with a warm smile. “She shared her passion for singing and created a musical atmosphere in our home. I remember growing up, everyone used to say, ‘Reilly’s Mom sang at my wedding!’ She taught voice lessons in our house when we were growing up, and her opera CDs were the soundtrack to my childhood in a way.” Nelson’s eyes twinkle with gratitude as she adds, “I’m so grateful for the early support and encouragement she gave me.”
As she prepares to take the stage at Lincoln Center,Nelson is filled with gratitude and excitement. She is ready to share Nancy Smith’s story with the world, a story of resilience, injustice, and ultimately, hope.
“Thank you, Kathleen,” Nelson says. “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity, and I can’t wait to bring Nancy’s story to life at Lincoln Center.”
How does your Soo heritage influence your work as a performer?
Interview with Reilly Nelson: A Soo Native Set to Shine at Lincoln Center
Archyde: Reilly,it’s an honor to have you with us today. You’re set to perform at the prestigious Lincoln Center this February. How does it feel to be taking the stage there?
Reilly Nelson: Thank you for having me.It’s truly an amazing opportunity, and I’m still pinching myself. Lincoln Center is a renowned venue, and I’m excited and a bit nervous, of course, but mostly I feel honored to be part of this production.
Archyde: Tell us about your role in “Blind Injustice.” What is Nancy Smith’s story, and how does it resonate with you?
Reilly Nelson: I play Nancy Smith, a former Ohio bus driver who was wrongfully imprisoned for over 15 years due to false accusations of child molestation. Her story is a tragic example of how powerful fear and misinformation can be, and how they can devastate lives. As a woman and a mother, I can’t help but feel deeply moved by her story. The injustice suffered by Nancy and the other exonerees is heartbreaking, and I’m truly honored to portray her and help bring their stories to light.
Archyde: You’ve formed a bond with Nancy Smith herself during the creative process. How has that impacted your performance?
Reilly Nelson: It’s been an incredibly personal and powerful experience. Meeting Nancy and learning from her has brought an unusual depth to my portrayal. Her strength and resilience in the face of such adversity are truly inspiring. we’ve formed a connection, and I hope that by immortalizing her story on stage, we can bring some justice and healing to her and the other exonerees.
Archyde: Your journey as a soprano began in Sault Ste. Marie under the tutelage of Agnes mccarthy.How has your hometown influenced your musical path?
Reilly Nelson: Sault Ste. Marie will always hold a special place in my heart. Agnes was a marvelous teacher and mentor who inspired me to pursuit singing professionally. My hometown also gave me a strong foundation in community and family,which has guided me throughout my career. Even though I live in Toronto now, my roots in Sault Ste. Marie remain deeply entwined with my identity.
Archyde: You’ve worked with several renowned organizations around the world. What stands out to you about performing internationally?
Reilly Nelson: Every place has its unique charm and artistic community, and I’ve been fortunate to connect with many talented individuals along the way.For instance, my European debut at the Tiroler Festspiele Erl in Austria was memorable due to the magical setting and the wonderful people I worked with. These experiences have taught me that, regardless of language barriers or cultural differences, music transcends borders and brings us together.
Archyde: Opera has the power to stir emotions and provoke thought. What do you want audiences to take away from “Blind Injustice”?
Reilly Nelson: I hope that audiences leave the theater with a newfound recognition for the strength and resilience of the wrongfully accused. I also want them to question the systems that allow such injustices to occur and consider how they might contribute to creating change. If we can foster empathy and provoke conversation through this powerful art form, then I believe we will have achieved something truly meaningful.
Archyde: Reilly, thank you for your time and for sharing your incredible journey with us.We look forward to seeing you shine at Lincoln Center.
Reilly Nelson: Thank you so much. I can’t wait to take the stage and tell these crucial stories.
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