Catrin Davies wears a lot of hats in Baltimore’s vibrant arts community. She serves as vice president of advancement at Opera Baltimore, is an adjunct faculty member at Peabody Conservatory and leads the Young Victorian Theatre Company as artistic director — all while continuing to work as a performer and director herself. At home in Mount Washington, though, life looks a little different. There, she and her husband, Robert Jenkins, a professional percussionist, are raising their daughter Teleri (8) in a home filled with stories, music, creativity and family teamwork. We caught up with Davies to learn more about her path into the arts, parenting a creative child and finding joy both onstage and at home.
You work for several organizations in Baltimore’s thriving arts scene! Can you share a bit about the groups you’re involved with and the work you do with each?
I am currently the vice president of advancement at Opera Baltimore, where my main focus is stewarding the development, community engagement and education programs. I am also a freelance singer and director working with Wolf Trap Opera, Washington Concert Opera and the University of Maryland Opera Studio, among others; adjunct faculty at the Peabody Conservatory; and artistic director of the Young Victorian Theatre Company, which has been bringing Gilbert & Sullivan operetta to Baltimore for over 50 years.
Tell us about your own journey. How did you choose to become an opera singer?
I’m a first generation American, and my parents are from Wales. To be Welsh means having a relationship with the arts. Wales is a country where children compete in music, recitation and dance in local competitions from the age of 5, and the football and rugby fans sing in four-part harmony! Being brought up in a tradition where music was a part of daily life set the stage (pun intended) for my career. But despite that early influence, I took a circuitous route into being an arts professional. Although I was always involved in music and theater, I thought I my “real” job was going to be in academia as a history professor. I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees in history and women’s studies (respectively) and was moving towards that goal when I had a damascene moment. I wanted to create art. And while I am a passionate advocate for avocational artists, I decided I would try and make my way as a professional. I initially entered the classical music scene as a mezzo-soprano, and I still perform professionally as a singer (most recent engagement – soloist for the Beethoven Mass in C with Live Arts Maryland). After a significant time in the business, I decided to try my hand at directing. I loved it and haven’t looked back. Adjacent to performing and directing, I worked in a variety of arts administration jobs — at Creation Theatre Company (U.K.), Opera America and the Peabody Conservatory — and that has led me to where I am now. I find it equally fulfilling to help bring an artistic production to fruition as an administrator as to be involved as a creative.
What excites you as an artist?
I am always excited about my current project. Being an artist isn’t easy, so if you aren’t challenged and energized by what’s in front of you, and grounded by the impact it has in your community, why are you doing it? Currently, I am directing “Iolanthe” for the Young Victorian Theatre Company, which is my favorite Gilbert & Sullivan operetta. It’s playful and funny, entertaining the scenario of what would happen if a troop of vengeful fairies took over the House of Lords. (Spoiler: delightful chaos.) The music is in [turn] lovely and full of the pomp and circumstance of Victorian England. And the costumes! Rented this year from Sarasota Opera, they are sublime. But the most important ingredient at Young Vic is the people. The production team, the principal artists and our superb orchestra are all professional. Our chorus is auditioned, but volunteer. This is unusual for a theater company, but I believe there is an alchemy that exists when avocational artists and professional artists work together to achieve artistic excellence. This unusual chemistry happens every summer at Young Vic, and I am continually astonished by what we are able to achieve together.
What advice can you give parents whose children love to sing and may be interested in a career in the arts?
Gently steer them towards engineering. Just kidding! If your child loves to sing, focus less on creating a future performer and more on building a strong foundation. Encourage musicianship through participating in choirs, ensembles and/or playing an instrument. The skills learned in these endeavors will support any musical path they choose. Just as important are the teamwork aspects of music which teach children how to collaborate, communicate and contribute to a shared goal.
Don’t overlook the value of imagination and creative play. Making up songs, telling stories, dressing up and putting on performances at home help develop creativity, confidence and problem-solving skills. And bring them to live performances! “Iolanthe” is family-friendly, with a free “Fairy Party” with face-painting and crafts before the matinee on July 12 (yvtc.org). Opera Baltimore has a variety of children’s programs, with performances at the Engineers Club and in the community throughout the year (operabaltimore.org).
But most importantly, keep the focus on joy and exploration. Whether or not your child pursues a career in the arts, musicianship, teamwork and creativity are gifts that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Tell us about your family. Who’s in it, what do you appreciate about each other?
My husband Robert is a classical percussionist, timpanist and drummer tenured with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. He also performs throughout the region with the BSO, the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, the Philly Pops and the Annapolis Symphony, among others. Our daughter, Teleri, is a rising third-grader who delights in stories, songs and any animal — real and imagined. And Blackjack, the nicest cat who has ever lived, who found us after being abandoned on the mean streets of Mount Washington and saw the invisible “Choose me!” signs on our foreheads. (We have no regrets.) We all (cat included … usually) respect our individual artistic passions and motivations, while also understanding that a family has to work together as a team.
What are your hobbies?
I love reading. Novels, primarily. Although I confess that my number of books per year has dropped dramatically since parenthood. But the parenting years are short, and I know I’m not going to look back and regret spending more time with my daughter! And I love that I’m getting to re-read childhood classics with her — what a joy. We also love travelling as a family: locally to the Delaware beaches and overseas to family and friends in the U.K.
Family Favorites
Food: Homemade pizza
Vacation Spot: Wales
Movie: “How to Train Your Dragon” (the animated one, although we enjoyed the live-action one, too)
Hobby: Cycling or beachcombing
Book: “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler”
Song: Besides Gilbert & Sullivan …?
