08/30/2026
Ahead of her September 12 recital with fellow alumna Aubrie Jacobson (7:30pm, Nola Starling Recital Hall), we called Alexandra (Alex) Burch for a quick chat about what she has been up to lately and what we can expect from this performance and more to come. She also wanted to recognize some influential individuals from her Viterbo days and impart some wonderful artist's words of wisdom for current students. Read on for more about what Alex had to say...
Regarding the Sept 12 recital: it will consist of art songs, arias, and a musical theater set. Composers include: Strauss, Turina, Hoiby, Puccini, and more. Alex said that she has always included a Spanish set in recitals since her undergraduate days, and that the Turina and Hoiby sets are meant as a tribute to her years at Viterbo. In honor of the collaboration with Aubrie Jacobson, Alex and Aubrie have prepared a set by Madison Opera coach/pianist/composer Scott Gendel from his opera, Everlasting Faint, as she and Aubrie had both taken part in presenting the opera's world premiere: Alex in the role of Lucy, and Aubrie as the pianist in the Madison Symphony's pit orchestra.
In addition to her role in Everlasting Faint, Alex has had numerous main stage performances as a studio artist with Madison Opera. Regarding her experience with the company, Alex encourages anyone who has an opportunity to work with Madison Opera to take advantage of it. She stated that being a studio artist is unique in that she remains with the same opera company for an entire season, which allows her to meet a variety of different contracted artists. She has been struck by how kind everyone is- that the world of professional opera she has encountered is full of good humans who look out for one another. Her past and upcoming experiences with Madison Opera boasts some titular roles and covers to include: Norma, Musetta, Despina, Clotilde, Micaela, and other roles with Opera Festival in Chicago and Opera for the Young in Madison include Mimi and Rusalka! She will also be singing as a soloist in the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra's presentation of Handel's Messiah in December at Viterbo.
Alex would like to recognize Daniel Johnson-Wilmot. She said that not many people know that she started her undergraduate at Viterbo in the nursing program, and that it was Dan who encouraged her to switch to music education and then vocal performance. She stated that Brett Robison, Daniel Johnson-Wilmot, and Sarah Nestingen encouraged her to re-examine the possibilities of a career path that incorporated both teaching and performing. In fact, Alex currently teaches private voice and piano lessons at two studios in Chicago and its surrounding area.
Alex remembered that Brent Wilson and David Richardson at Viterbo helped her transform the way she performed by encouraging her to move beyond knowing the notes and rhythms. They allowed for artist autonomy and encouraged her to dig into the characters in performances of Menotti's Medium and The Old Maid and the Thief at Viterbo. She also credits Dr. Brian Luckner and her participation in the Cathedral Gallery Singers at St. Joseph the Workman as being integral in developing her sight-singing skills. (There are scholarships to be had for singing with this group, students!)
As far as further advice for Viterbo students, Alex said that she understands that music school can be a lot, and that the best way through is to hone in on and be independent about the craft. She said I could quote her on this: "Someone else's success is not your failure," she encourages Viterbo music students to be kind and reminds them that: "We are all here for the greater good- to share gifts, make music, and tell important stories."
Can't wait to hear you, Alex and Aubrie!
