(Left) James Holleman, professor of music and director of orchestras and choirs (right) alumnus Nicholas Nestorak ’11.
Courtesy | James Holleman
Nicholas Nestorak is a tenor soloist in the opera circuit, joining the Metropolitan Opera roster in 2021 and making his first debut last season as Pang in their production of “Turandot.” Nestorak graduated from Hillsdale College in 2011 and went on to earn his master’s degree in voice from the University of Michigan. After college, Nestorak was accepted into young artists programs where he learned from different opera companies and built connections that later helped him acquire a manager. Nestorak is currently an adjunct voice instructor for the college music department while continuing his opera career with the Metropolitan Opera.
On Nov. 23, Nestorak visited Hillsdale and featured in the Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra concert.
You once said one of your dreams was to sing at the Met. Then you did. What was it like to live out your dream?
It feels very surreal. I was overjoyed just to get my ID card at the Metropolitan Opera in 2021. To then see my picture on the wall at the Met for being an understudy, and then see my name on the marquis at Lincoln Center when I made my debut, I felt absolutely grateful and like I had accomplished a large feat. Since 2021, the Metropolitan Opera has really felt like a family to me, and it was thrilling to perform on the stage with my friends and colleagues.
Why is music important in education?
Music challenges students as a physical skill, a foreign language, a theoretical medium, application of systematic methodology, and as an interdependent exercise, just to begin with. I truly believe that you can find a link between music and all of the core educational subjects.
How did Hillsdale’s liberal arts curriculum expand your musical talents?
I sang in church and school choirs before college, but had never taken voice lessons before enrolling at Hillsdale College, and definitely had not explored opera until my voice teacher, Melissa Borg Osmond, introduced me to the artform. Hillsdale was unique in that I was able to study more than one instrument, which I found was not the case at other colleges and universities. When I decided to pursue voice, I was able to keep my studies in cello and retain the valuable experience of making ensemble music in the symphony orchestra — I have repeatedly heard praise from operatic conductors about my ability to sing with the ensemble, which I credit to my orchestral experience.
What’s the case for attending a small school such as Hillsdale?
Something great about my experience at Hillsdale was that I could really tell that my professors knew me as an individual. Professors knew what other activities I was involved in on campus, my time commitments, and class loads. Not only that, but they saw my educational strengths. I think that my professors helped guide me according to my strengths for a career in music. I certainly would not have become an opera singer without their concentrated attention, guidance and support.
What are your new dreams and goals?
I would like to turn my attention to some international performances. I have always said that I have been able to explore the world through my music, so I would love the chance to sing in a few different countries, like France or Germany for starters. I also have never been to South America, Africa, Asia, or Australia, so debuting on a new continent would be exciting.
What’s your favorite memory from an opera performance?
I remember the emotions associated with my first curtain call for my Metropolitan Opera debut in May 2024. Walking on stage with my colleagues to a cheering crowd from a completely full audience with family and friends watching, nearly brought me to tears. Thinking “I did it! I made it,” I certainly won’t forget that feeling.