Raquel Suarez Groen, BA’07

by Deb Cummings

photo by Matthew Murphy

In our series, Careers in Motion, we bring you interviews with alumni who are innovators, thought leaders and experts in their field. From entrepreneurs and financiers to people in the film industry, architecture and law, you will find illuminating insights from all-star professionals in this monthly slot in our newsletter. 

This month, we chatted with Raquel Suarez Groen, BA’07 — a linguistics grad who plays the part of Carlotta in one of Broadway’s longest running musicals, Phantom of the Opera. Besides being a professional opera singer, she’s also an entrepreneur, having launched an inspirational planner company, The Infinite Agenda. Other roles Raquel would love to play include Glinda in Wicked, Sibella in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Amalia in She Loves Me, and Francesca in Bridges of Madison County. We reached out to Raquel in the city that never sleeps and she replied . . . in, true to nature, the middle of the night.

Do you use your linguistics degree in your current roles?

Yes, my linguistics degree has taught me so much about the structure of languages, which has been an enormous help in learning foreign musical scores. I have sung in Mandarin, Spanish, Italian, French, German and Dutch — and I always use IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) to translate my scores so I know how to pronounce the words. Also, having a concentration in speech therapy really helps because I know exactly what voice teachers and coaches are talking about when they want specific sounds or when they point out vocal anatomy.

Any advice for new grads who are interested in opera?

Study with a teacher that is going to give you a super solid technique. That is most important. And then go and audition for EVERYTHING. Even if you don’t think you are ready — just do it. A big part of this career is learning how to sing nervous . . .  and to just get up in front of people. Oh, and find your “team” — who will support and believe in you no matter what. This can be a teacher, therapist, friend, coach, doctor, parent, sibling. It really takes a village . . .  so make sure you chose your tribe wisely.

What are the top three lessons that you learned at UCalgary?

The first is to work hard; then . . . be yourself. And, always try to interact and learn from as many different people as possible (don’t just interact with people studying the same thing as you — I learned a ton from economics, science, and pre-med majors! It’s much more fun to branch out!)

What do you miss about living in Calgary?

I miss my family and the clean air. I also miss being able to drive to the mountains.

What type of character are you attracted to? Why? 

I’m always attracted to strong women, who know what they want out of life and who aren’t afraid to show it. I also strongly gravitate towards comedic roles — because they are so much fun both for myself and the audience.

What would be your dream role/job?

I’m living it.