Soprano bringing opera performance to Garden Theatre

Samar Salamé Hawat credits her extraordinary singing career, in part, to the Irish alternative rock band The Cranberries.

“I used to sing with the radio,” she said. “At 16, there was a song called ‘Zombie,’ by The Cranberries, and I couldn’t sing it; it was difficult. I told my mommy I wanted to learn how to sing so I can sing that song.”

Hawat, auditioned as a teen for the Lebanese National Conservatory, in her home country of Lebanon, and studied music. This led her to a singing career that has taken her to opera houses and stages all across the globe, and she has sung twice for the pope.

“I just wanted to sing ‘Zombie,’” Hawat said with a laugh.

The performer now calls Windermere her home with her husband of nine years and their two children.

And this Christmas, she will bring her vocal talents to Winter Garden at Holiday Opera at the Garden, with shows at 7 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 14 and 21, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St.

Hawat said her show will combine classical music and Christmas carols — two of her favorite genres. The first half will feature music such as Handel, Mozart and Caccini, and the second part will give the audience a selection of holiday favorites. She said her 8-year-old daughter has been teaching her the songs in English.

“The Christmas carols I’m used to more singing in French,” Hawat said. “I have the paper printed in English. Some songs I’m used to singing in French; I’ll sing one line in French and two in English. My first language is French, and I’m more comfortable in French.”

Performing with her will be a Romanian pianist with whom she has collaborated on stage in the past.

‘OPERA CHOSE ME’

Hawat has always loved singing — even before she realized it would become a passion and a career for her.

But, when she heard that Cranberries song and was having trouble hitting all the right notes, she took on the challenge of learning how to properly sing “Zombie.”

After being accepted at the conservatory in Lebanon, Hawat had to make a choice, she said: Oriental music or opera.

“So I went to opera, and then I discovered a new world,” she said.

In the beginning, she expected opera singing would be more of a hobby, because she also was taking audio-visual studies. However, at the age of 23, she signed up to sing in a group, only to find out each performer had to sing a solo.

Hawat belted out “Ave Maria.” And it changed her life.

“I always said that there is a path that is drawn,” she said. “Sometimes, I say the opera chose me. It’s not part of my culture, not part of my surroundings, and it came to me by coincidence. … It was like a path, and that’s why I’m trustful and I follow the path. … When you feel like you’re at the right place, it’s a blessing.”

EUROPEAN DREAM

Hawat began entertaining audiences on stages throughout Europe.

She moved to Naples, Italy, where she joined the Neapolitan Company, Media Aetas, singing and acting throughout Italy in the show “L’Opera Buffa Del Giovedi Santo.” She toured for one year with the widely known maestro, Roberto De Simone.

“I did a tour with all Italy; it was a great experience, so I decided I wanted to do that,” Hawat said.

She also ranked as a finalist in the Competition of Mattia Battistini of Rieti, sang in the choir of Stefano Cucci collaborating with Maestro Ennio Morricone and performed as a soloist in various concerts.

To broaden her horizons and propel her career, she joined the National Conservatory of Rome, Santa Cecilia, where, after five years, she received her singing degree in 2006.

“I started all again,” she said. “In Lebanon, it’s not the culture to sing opera. In Italy, everyone sings; it’s in their blood.”

Her next move was to Paris, where she lived for more than a dozen years, performing in and around Europe.

She sang in many performances, was the interpreter of an original work, and performed the double role of Serpina and Lucy in a double show at the theater La Boutonnière.

Hawat participated in many renowned festivals in Lebanon, where she interpreted numerous roles and did her own concerts and shows. She sang at The National Lebanese Museum.

She created and performed the show “Les Mystères Lyriques” in Paris and at the International Festival of Byblos.

She served as artistic director, producer and singer of a live dinner musical. She created and performed the show “Crazy Opera,” which she performed at a Byblos festival in Lebanon and at the opening of the opera season in Bahrain. She did the same with a show called “Sacré Profane.”

She said it is exhilarating to be in charge of making all the different pieces fit exactly as she envisioned.

Hawat is part of the Peace and Prosperity Trust, in London, where she has performed in various events including an audience with King Charles III.

Of all the shows she has performed, Hawat said her favorite opera is Puccini’s “Tosca.”

“It’s gorgeous,” she said. “I love drama, to-the-extreme drama. The music is beautiful.”

She loves performing with close friend Fabrice di Falco.

“When you get along with someone to work with, it’s a blessing,” she said.

She sang for Pope Benedict XVI — and about 350,000 other people — during his visit to Beirut in 2012.

Her debut in the United States was with a concert at Florida Tech and at many St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital galas.

With two young children at home, Hawat has slowed down. She will go on small trips to perform, but she said her touring days are over for now.

She is grateful for the opportunity to sing locally and share her love of music with the community.