Céline Ricci - Founder of Ars Minerva & Executive Artistic Director

As a photographer for Céline Ricci and her opera company, Ars Minerva, I've had the privilege of working with one of the most talented and inspiring artistic directors in the industry. Over the past four years, I've captured the beauty and grandeur of Minerva's productions through my photography for their posters, newspaper publications, and brochures.

Opera “ASTIANATTE” 2022

Céline Ricci - Founder / Executive Artistic Director.

When I first started working with Céline, I was struck by her creative vision and her attention to detail. She had a clear idea of the look and feel she wanted for each production, and she was always willing to collaborate with me to ensure that my photos captured the essence of her artistic vision.

Working with Céline has also given me the opportunity to push my own boundaries as a photographer. Her productions are always visually stunning, with elaborate sets, intricate costumes, and captivating lighting. Capturing these elements in my photos has challenged me to find new ways of framing and composing my shots, and has forced me to think creatively about how to convey the richness and depth of Ars Minerva's productions through my photography.

Opera “MESSALINA” 2021

Friends of Ars Minerva can celebrate a significant milestone as the company reaches its tenth anniversary. In March 2013, Céline drafted a business plan that envisioned a company devoted to bringing forgotten operas of the past to contemporary audiences. After two years of development, Minerva presented its first opera production, La Cleopatra, and has been continuously producing ever since. In addition to seven opera productions, Minerva has presented numerous concerts, online programs, and Ars Minerva Editions.

Opera “ERMELINDA” 2019

Happy 10th Anniversary! Looking back over the past few years, I feel grateful for the experiences and opportunities that working with Céline and Ars Minerva has given me. Every production has been a unique and unforgettable experience. I feel fortunate to have been able to contribute to Ars Minerva's artistic vision through my photography, and I look forward to continuing to work with Céline and her team to bring their productions to life in the years to come.

CPB: Kenneth Kellogg - Opera Singer

My Name is Kenneth Kellogg. I am a husband, father, and Opera Singer. The first of those 2 are the most important but when I’m not actively doing either of those I sing opera. This essentially means, I spend a lot of time working on my craft. I collaborate with a team that helps me train to be at my best when I perform. I have regular voice lessons and spend a lot of time at the piano working on learning opera roles that I get to perform on stages across the world. I travel from city to city, country to country meeting and making music for other artists with the hope of moving audiences that come to hear us.

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music? Where have you found the support you've needed to start and grow? 

Early on, it was amazing music teachers that inspired me to pursue music. Now it’s Music that inspires me to continue to pursue music. I’ve found support in friends and family who love me beyond  and despite my musical endeavors, and in those people who love music and appreciate what I have to offer to it through my love and dedication to the craft.

What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?

The greatest challenge for me in this career is the time I have to spend away from my family. When I go on the road for work, my family travels with me sometimes but they also have lives at home that can’t and shouldn’t be disrupted. It gets harder and harder to leave home and my family to go on the road. But luckily I REALLY love what I do. 

Which performance are you most proud of? Why?

I’m most proud of the opera Blue by Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson. I was an opera that was written for me and it spoke to a lot of things that were happening in my community. It a really beautiful tragic story about a Black family and community and its the first time I’ve really been able to see people that “look” like me on stage in opera. It won the North American Critics Association Best New Opera of 2020. It has been a great vehicle to tell a poignant story.

What is your definition of success as an opera singer?

Success as a singer for me is to be able to work often, feel fulfilled, have fun, and surrender to the craft. 

Valentina Sadiul Photography 2021

Time you wake up: Most days at 6:30 am but it mostly depends on when one of the kids wakes up.

Morning routine: I spend sometime with the kids watching cartoons and having coffee before I make breakfast for the family and help get them ready for their day.

Best habit: I have to finish what I start.

Worst habit: (hahah) I have to finish what I start, I can get obsessive about it sometimes.

Personal philosophy: Everything has its purpose and I have to respect the things that are not mine.

Book you are reading now: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent by Isabel Wilkerson

Most used apps: E-Trade, Robinhood, IG, Facebook

Time you go to sleep: Whenever I’m tired or finished what I’ve started during the day.

Kenneth_Kellogg@hotmail.com

www.Kennethkellogg.com

IG: Kenneth.kellogg and for Artwork: kenneth.kellogg.pen_to_paper

Twitter: kkellog79

Sara Duchovnay: "Valentina is an absolute genius when it comes to headshot and portrait photography!"

"Valentina is an absolute genius when it comes to headshot and portrait photography! As a professional opera singer, my headshots, portraiture, and publicity photos are extremely important for my image and my business, which is why I return again and again to Valentina's studio every time I need new images. Valentina has a sparkling personality that immediately puts you at ease, and her attention to detail and fantastic eye makes every session super easy and fun. I'm always amazed at the beauty and compositional excellence in all of her work and the ease with which she gets incredible results. She knows exactly how to coach her clients to look better in front of the camera than they ever imagined they could. The hardest part of the process is narrowing down all the great shots and choosing favorites!"

Sara Duchovnay - Opera Singer

http://www.saraduchovnay.com/

What people will say about your headshot

When you work with a professional photographer you get desired results that speak for themselves.

Kenneth Kellogg: "When she asked what I wanted to accomplish with the pictures I knew we were off to a good start."

"I knew I was in good hands walking into Valentina's studio. She is highly recommended by my colleagues and I saw why. When she asked what I wanted to accomplish with the pictures I knew we were off to a good start. I hate being in front of the camera but she made the experience feel natural and the shots she captured definitely achieved my goals."

Kenneth Kellogg - Opera Singer

http://www.kennethkellogg.com/