April 28, 2026

MSM Graduate Opera Theatre will present Mozart’s beloved opera, La clemenza di Tito, April 30 to May 3 in Neidorff-Karpati Hall. We spoke with Baylee Kilgore (MM ’26), who sings the role of Vitellia, to discuss her experience in the production, how she navigated this role, and why you should see this opera.

ABOUT BAYLEE

Originally from Houston, Texas, Baylee Kilgore is a second-year master’s student studying under the tutelage of Joan Patenaude-Yarnell. Previous MSM credits include the role of the Foreign Princess in Rusalka.

Tell us about La clemenza di Tito! What is this opera about?

Baylee: La Clemeza di Tito (The Mercy of Tito) is a political drama that gives a really clear picture of how humans in power handle the pressure of high position. The title role, Tito, wrestles with the fine line of justice and mercy as a newly appointed leader of Rome. All while his best friend, Sesto, is being manipulated to assassinate Tito by his “situationship”, Vitellia. Everyone is trying to find their place in this system under this new leader, who ultimately believes that mercy triumphs over justice.

Why do you recommend that people attend this performance?

Baylee: We are setting our production of La clemenza di Tito in a contemporary/near future timeline, 2033 to be exact. It gives the audience a new perspective on this opera and opera in general! We are texting on cell phones, watching media coverage, burning down the capital, all in a modern context and, might I add, looking fabulous (thanks to our costume and makeup team). Since we are setting it in a modern setting, I believe it will touch audiences in a way that is relatable and maybe even hopeful!

What role are you singing? How have you stepped into this character’s shoes?

Baylee: I am performing the role of Vitellia! She is the villain of this opera. It is so exciting to play the bad guy in a story, especially one with a redemption arc! She has been a really interesting character to jump into. Villains always have a backstory and coming up with her story and where she comes from has allowed me to understand her actions a bit more. I hope the audience loves to hate her just as much as I have.

Vitellia is a huge sing! How did you prepare to sing this role? Any practice tips?

Baylee: Vitellia a GIANT sing!! She’s crazy. I feel like my prep for this role has been longer than the actual prep of the role, if that makes sense. Like I feel vocally I’ve been building stamina for a role like this for years. She has a crazy vocal range, truly the basement to ceiling of my voice. I have been practicing scales and coloratura a lot for this role. The movement has unlocked so much in my voice. I’m also practicing pacing every day. Pacing my mind, body, and voice to be able to communicate the work with everything I have. A lot of it is mental prep at this point!

What’s something new you learned from the La clemenza di Tito rehearsal/learning process?

Baylee: I have been learning to let go of my perfectionism! Embracing the messy process of rehearsing and learning. Lots of tears over learning the music and stretching my mind to overcome a lot of mental pathways that held me in a hard place. I’ve learned to embrace the mess and allow the rehearsals to be a place where I grow, not a place to be perfect. As our director Scott always says “perfection is the freedom in realizing nothing is ever perfect”. I am truly so grateful for this process and I am growing immensely as a musician, person, and performer because of it.

Why did you decide to attend MSM?

Baylee: I took 4 years in between my undergraduate and graduate degree. I moved to NYC from Texas with determination and a place to land temporarily. I worked for about two years in the city living paycheck to paycheck and building community here. I knew I wanted to pursue my master’s in NYC, and MSM was the door that opened for me. I am so grateful with how MSM has supported my voice for what it is and helped me grow in so much. I would not be the singer I am currently if it wasn’t for my teachers and coaches here.

Any fun summer plans coming up?

Baylee: Nothing crazy! I will probably be working and gearing up for another audition season in the fall! It is so valuable for me to take breaks especially after a crazy semester. I might go home and see my family for a bit and have fun in the city!