Nicole Heaston is an accomplished soprano who has performed on some of opera’s largest and most iconic stages. But her current role is an extra special one: Nicole will be performing as Claire Devon in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s “The Listeners.” She has sung on stages around the world from the Metropolitan to the San Francisco Opera, but this is her first time performing in Chicago. It’s a very special homecoming for her, as a Chicago native and longtime member of Chicago Children’s Choir. Nicole was a part of the choir from third grade through her junior year, touring the country and performing all around Chicago. Prior to her career in opera, she completed her Master’s Degree in Voice at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and received her undergraduate degree in music at the University of Akron. We caught up with Nicole while she was in the city for “The Listeners” to discuss how the choir prepared her for a career in opera and why she hopes every child has access to the same music education she did growing up.
Uniting Voices Chicago: How did singing with Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children's Choir) prepare you for a career in opera?
Nicole Heaston: Singing in the choir prepared me to be well-versed in a variety of musical styles. We sang classical, folk and gospel in multiple languages. This foundation made my introduction into opera a smooth one.
UVC: Why is music education important for young people in Chicago to have access to?
NH: Music education is important for a variety of reasons. Music expands one’s creativity and cognitive growth. It is math and science at the same time, but fun. Also, not every child is a scholastic genius or captain of the football team. Music may be where a child’s tribe exists. Everyone needs to have a place to call home and music education can guide some to that place.
UVC: What’s one piece of advice you would give to a singer or alum who wants to pursue a career in music, be it opera or another genre?
NH: My piece of advice is never to be afraid to be yourself. We are all different and have something to say. Don’t covet or try to be anyone else. That person already exists. Claim your place and nurture your gift. The world will be richer for it.
UVC: You're making your Lyric Opera of Chicago debut with The Listeners, which runs through April 11. How does it feel to make such a homecoming?
NH: I have waited a long time for my Lyric Opera of Chicago debut and the fact that it comes at this time with this opera means it was meant to be and worth the wait. I am happy that my parents are finally getting the chance to see their daughter in our hometown. Chicago is the best city on the planet and coming home is just a gift.
UVC: What is your favorite role you've performed in opera?
NH: My favorite opera role that I have performed is Alcina in Handel’s Alcina. It is a role that has everything.
UVC: Anything else you'd like our alumni to know about?
NH: Being a part of the Uniting Voices legacy is such a cherished honor. I was in the choir for eight years, met my best friends, had the choir sing at my wedding and have the fondest memories of my childhood connected to my experiences. I regretted every day of my children’s upbringing that they didn’t have a choir experience like I did because we live in Texas. Hopefully, Uniting Voices will expand to Houston for others to have a slice of my childhood.¹
¹Uniting Voices expanded its music education programs to Lexington, Kentucky in 2023. The program is the first local chapter outside of Chicago for Uniting Voices. To learn more visit, unitingvoiceslexington.org.