Hannah Bullock – An Opera Performer Captivating Audiences Onstage and Across Columbus
Hannah in OC’s All Star Master Class Concert (credit Terry Gilliam)
By Kelsi Tarr, senior director of sales + marketing for Opera Columbus
Hannah Bullock is a Columbus-based opera singer who has performed with Opera Columbus’ mainstage productions and throughout the vibrant Columbus community. She’ll appear in The Anonymous Lover (Feb. 13 +15) and La Traviata (Apr. 25 + 26); she’s also the founder and Creative Director of SimplySing Studios.
Kelsi: What is your artistic background?
Hannah: My artistic journey has been quite colorful. I began guitar lessons at age four and started studying classical piano at six. As a child, I loved to sing, though my interests were almost entirely in pop music and musical theater. At that time, opera felt quite foreign to me.
I went to college for music. My degree was in music technology, and my primary instrument was piano. It wasn’t until my second year of undergraduate study that I began formal voice lessons, and even then, classical voice was not my focus. However, because I attended a conservatory, all students were required to study classical repertoire, which led me to explore classical singing more seriously.
Through a twist of fate, I ended up falling in love with classical singing! This led me to pursue a master’s degree in voice. The rest is history!
Hannah in OC’s Threepenny Opera (credit Terry Gilliam)
Kelsi: What has been your favorite performance with Opera Columbus?
Hannah: Last season’s production of The Threepenny Opera. It genuinely surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. I remember studying the piece in school and thinking it was very unusual, and I was not sure how it would feel to perform it. However, the cast and creative team came together in such a dynamic way, and we had so much fun shaping the production and making it our own. I also had the opportunity to play a wonderfully unhinged villain — a role I may have enjoyed just a bit too much.
Kelsi: What is your artistic process?
Hannah: I love very thorough role preparation. I typically begin by reading a detailed plot synopsis and researching the composer’s background, particularly if the work is new to me. From there, I will either watch a fully staged production (when available) or listen to a complete recording while following along in the score. Once I begin learning my role, I focus not only on mastering the notes and rhythms, but also on fully understanding the text. If the opera is not in English, I study the translation of my own lines as well as the text sung by other characters in the scene, so I have a clear sense of the dramatic context. With that foundation in place, I can begin making informed acting choices. Despite common assumptions, all of this preparation happens well before the first rehearsal of any production.
Kelsi: Who or what inspires you?
Hannah: I am fortunate to have great teachers and mentors throughout my musical journey. I am inspired by people who have invested time in developing my technique and encouraging my growth as a performer. Beyond that, I am continually drawn to the exhilaration of making meaningful music in collaboration with others. Nothing can compare to the moment onstage when you realize how connected everyone is, and the performance takes on a shared, tangible energy. Knowing that this connection is shared with the audience is what makes live music and theater so magical — and I live for that magic.
Hannah in OC’s West Side Story (credit Terry Gilliam)
Kelsi: What is your favorite restaurant in Columbus?
Hannah: I consider myself a foodie — so I can never pick just one place! A couple I love are:
Taj on Fifth — fabulous Indian food. I am obsessed!
Worthington Tavern — perfect for a last-minute night out, which I apparently do a lot because most of the staff know me and my husband!
Lindey’s — great for brunch or a more formal dinner. I have two words for you here: Lobster. Bisque.
Kelsi: What is the best thing about the arts scene in Columbus right now?
Hannah: I have always loved the way Columbus artists support one another. Like many arts communities it is a “small world” — but I love that. I love seeing my friends thrive in their respective arts and make an impact throughout the city, as well as being able to attend their performances and concerts. I also love making art with my friends!
See Hannah in action at Opera Columbus’ upcoming shows: The Anonymous Lover (Feb. 13 +15) and La Traviata (Apr. 25 + 26).
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database, artist-curated public art tours and stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.