Interview with Frédéricka Petit-Homme

Frédéricka Petit-Homme joins Phoenix Chamber Choir as the soprano soloist in the world premiere of Nou La. Haitian-Canadian Petit-Homme was a part of this project from its start in 2020. Nou La’s composer Sydney Guillaume, Phoenix artist director Dr. Nicholle Andrews and Frédéricka Petit-Homme met in 2020 over video conference to have an honest conversation about marginalized communities and how the Phoenix Chamber Choir could use their platform to make a difference and stand with those whose voices have yet to be heard. They specifically spoke at length about Haiti and Haitian immigrants abroad, and these ideas will be voiced in Guillaume’s work. The text of the piece was written in collaboration by Sydney Guillaume, Frédéricka Petit-Homme, and bass-baritone Lloyd Reshard Jr. Phoenix is thrilled to have Frédéricka with us for the premiere of Nou La on May 7.

Tell us a little bit about yourself; introduce yourself to our audience. 

I’m a lyric artist and love making music in community.

Tell us about your connection to the piece Nou La. How were you selected for this solo and what makes it important to you? 

Nicholle had a big dream, next thing you know I’m on a jet plane.

How have you prepared to sing this solo? 

Feel the rhythm, baby.

Are there things you have learned or noticed as you’ve rehearsed? 

Kinda stressful preparing a Premiere-lol.

What do you hope the audience will experience while listening to the premiere of Nou La? What questions or emotions do you hope it will raise? 

I hope the audience embodies the contagious rhythm, the lilting melody and powerful message of Nou La. I hope the piece bridges the gaps that separate communities.

A fun question that we ask everyone: what are you listening to right now? 

A whole lot of music! lol Any and everything from plainchant to contemporary opera. 80’s pop never disappoints.

Anything else you want to share about yourself, the piece, or the upcoming concert. 

Very excited to be working with Nicholle, Sydney and the Phoenix family. Let’s do this!