Atlanta is bursting at the seams with young-hungry talent, whether it be visual or performance art. Interestingly enough, most of these rising stars would not consider Atlanta their home. Among this population is an opera singer, Robert Banks, who is gaining traction in the field that combines the visual with performance.
At first glance, the average person would not assume Banks is an Opera singer: 28 years old, with long-messy blond hair, a distinguished mustache paired with a well-kept beard, and a slim build topping out at 5 feet 9 inches tall. Banks and his contemporaries who share his physique are constantly fighting the Pavarotti stereotype, which can compound the difficulty of their vocal technique and stage presence. Pushing past the physical stereotypes, Banks must overcome the audience’s misconception of an opera singer vs. someone who sings opera. Banks’ education, coupled with three years at The Atlanta Opera, gives him the authority to speak on what it means to be an opera singer. He believes there is a difference. Banks says, “These are people that have worked long and hard, training their voice and craft to actually get paid to sing in productions by an opera company, so lots of hard work goes into earning the title ‘Opera Singer.”
When asked where he considered home to be, Banks laughed and said, “Oh my…That’s a funny question.” The Banks family moved many times before settling down in Cobb County. Banks was born in Virginia, but within a few years, the family moved to Hong Kong, China. He was in China until fourth grade, when the family moved back to the United States, inevitably ending up in Georgia. Banks goes on to explain how he believes there is no singular “home” for him or for many people who are chasing after their dreams. Banks says, “To be honest, the most home that I’ve felt—and there are many factors that go into this—is probably Duluth, Minnesota.” Banks lived in Duluth, MN earning his master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Minnesota. While pursuing his master’s degree, he created friendships that are strong even today. Banks says he still considers all his friends living in Duluth to be family. He tries to visit as often as his schedule allows. Banks says, “I would say home [is] definitely those relationships.”
Opera singers tend to back themselves into a paradox. To get the desired lead roles, they must spend copious amounts of time committing to an opera company: as chorus members or soloists and taking advantage of any other chance to perform. However, these minor positions do not provide sustainable living income in the city. Most artists at this stage of their careers still work full-time jobs. The stress of working these jobs while still putting another 40 hours a week into rehearsals, shows, voice lessons, and voice coaching begins to take a toll. These artists will grind away for as long as possible until they catch a break or break themselves.
Banks recently quit his job to sign a contract with The Atlanta Opera’s Studio Tour of Hansel and Gretel. He will be playing the part of “The Witch.” The tour is an immense opportunity for Banks. Before this role, he had been performing with The Atlanta Opera in the capacity of minor roles. Banks would not consider this tour a full-time job due to the fluctuating performance dates, and the contract is only 13 weeks long. The position will only get harder for Banks as he will need to maintain financial stability and be proactive in auditioning for different opera companies and future roles. Banks is excited about the educational opportunities this tour will bring to grade school students. None of the shows will be expensive black-tie affairs. The majority of them will be in middle and high school. He knows there is value in inspiring students to find their passion.
Banks looks to the future of opera and its significance in the world of art with anticipation. He believes the most important thing as an artist is to maintain a perfect balance of humility and ego because opera is just as much about the audience as it is about the craft. It is the culmination of all the arts and directly relies on the calibration of artists to make it happen, which means everyone must have humility when coming to the table. Banks says it is equally important to have confidence and take care of oneself concerning the larger group. Banks says, “This is a career about the greater purpose of what we are doing or working towards. We have a story to tell the audience, and we have these people paying money to come and feel, connect and experience life in a different way.